Four suspects were arrested on charges of illicit mining during a police operation conducted in the Namakwa District on Tuesday.
FOUR suspects were arrested on charges of illicit mining during a police operation conducted in the Namakwa District on Tuesday.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said SAPS members from the Vala Umgodi team, together with a private security company, conducted an operation where they searched an area where it was alleged that illicit mining was taking place.
The team found four men in mining holes in the area and they were arrested.
“Two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, aged 17 and 39, as well as two South African citizens, aged 29 and 30, were arrested,” said Ehlers.
“Mining equipment to the approximate value of R2,600, believed to be used in the commission of illicit mining, was seized. Diamond carrying gravel was also seized.”
She added that the suspects were expected to appear in court soon.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended the police members for their continued efforts to eradicate illegal mining in the Province.
