Operation Vala Umgodi teams dealt a blow to illegal mining and associated criminal activities in the Namakwa District over the weekend.
SIX UNDOCUMENTED Zimbabwean nationals were arrested in Bontekooi informal settlement in Kleinzee as part of Operation Vala Umgodi over the weekend.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemani said an intelligence operation intercepted illegal mining and associated criminal activities on April 6.
The team seized tools suspected to be used in illegal mining activities, while six men, who are undocumented Zimbabwean nationals between the ages of 23 and 45, were arrested.
“In Steinkopf, the members also reacted to information and pounced on a 19-year-old female who was found in possession of dagga with an estimated street value of R39,000 and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime,” said Shemani.
He added that the suspect was arrested and charged with the illegal possession of dagga.
“She is expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate Court on Monday, April 8.”
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga, applauded the members for their efforts in affecting arrests and for their commitment to eradicating illicit mining activities in the Namakwa District.
