Operation Vala Umgodi is pushing on its fight against illicit mining in the Northern Cape and in its most recent actions, a total of 45 suspects were apprehended for various offences related to illegal mining, contraventions of the Immigration Act, and violations of the Firearms and Ammunition statutes.
IN A CONCERTED effort to combat illicit mining activities and related crimes, the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi teams in the Northern Cape have made significant progress.
According to provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, these joint forces have been working tirelessly to curb criminal operations and have recently registered a number of successes.
During the week-long operation that commenced on July 29, the teams, which include members of the SA National Defence Force, the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, and the SA Police Service’s Springbok Public Order Policing (POP) and provincial Firearm, Liquor, and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) units, made a total of 45 arrests.
The suspects were apprehended for various offences related to illegal mining, contraventions of the Immigration Act, and violations of the Firearms and Ammunition statutes.
The team in the Namakwa District played a crucial role in these efforts. They detained 30 undocumented immigrants during operations at the Sizamile informal settlement, at vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) at key intersections, including the Port Nolloth-Kleinzee and Kommagas-Hondeklipbaai intersections, and in the Tweepad mining area.
Additionally, the team arrested one suspect for obstructing justice and issued numerous fines for traffic offences.
Operation Vala Umgodi teams operating in the Frances Baard District apprehended 12 suspects involved in illegal mining activities. These individuals face charges related to both illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act.
Additionally, two more suspects were taken into custody near the Klipdam mine for violating the Firearm and Ammunitions Act. They are scheduled to appear in the Windsorton Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
During the operation, the teams confiscated numerous mining implements believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining offences.
The suspects netted during the operation have been detained and are currently undergoing processing and verification by officials from the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services. Once verified, they will be formally charged and presented before the court for possible deportation proceedings.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining or immigration violations to the relevant authorities.
Sergeant Sam said that suspicious activity related to illegal mining can be reported to the SAPS Crime Stop toll-free number 08600 10111.
