Operation Vala Umgodi teams arrested 15 undocumented suspects and confiscated equipment in a targeted crackdown on illegal mining in Kleinzee.
OPERATION Vala Umgodi’s multi-disciplinary teams recently achieved several success in combating illegal mining and related crimes during targeted patrols around mining areas in Kleinzee in the Namakwa District.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said that the teams acted on information about suspected illegal mining activities on private commercial property in Kleinzee on December 4.
Acting swiftly, the teams intercepted the suspects and arrested 15 individuals, aged between 20 and 46, who were unable to provide documentation verifying their legal status in the country.
The police also seized tools and equipment believed to be used for illegal mining.
Sergeant Shemane urged the public to report any illegal mining activities by contacting SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS App.
