Ten illegal miners were arrested during a multi-disciplinary police operation dubbed “Vala Umgodi” in the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.
TEN ILLEGAL miners were arrested during a multi-disciplinary police operation dubbed “Vala Umgodi” in the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.
The operation, which was carried out between January 19-21, involved stop and searches, the tracking of undocumented immigrants, combating transit crimes and routine vehicle inspections.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspects were charged with being in contravention of the Immigration Act.
“The police confiscated numerous illicit mining equipment, including generators, bags with gravel, sieves, shovels, hand hammers, drills and extension cords,” said Sam.
He said that the suspects were expected to appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court soon.
Sam added that fines to the value of R2,550 were issued for traffic violations during routine patrols.
“The police will continue unabatedly to combat illicit mining activities and request the public to report any criminality to the police,” said Sam.
