Vala Umgodi crackdown in Kimberley: Two nabbed for illegal mining, Samaria shebeen shut down

THANKS to the persistent efforts of the Operation Vala Umgodi multi-disciplinary team, two men were arrested for illegal mining and trespassing in Kimberley.

The suspects, aged 35 and 42, were caught "red-handed" during a well-co-ordinated operation on October 24, highlighting the team's proactive approach to curbing illicit activities in the area.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane reported that the team, consisting of members from the SAPS and SANDF, acted on intelligence provided by Ekapa mine security about ongoing illegal mining activities on the mine premises in Kenilworth, Kimberley.

The information was swiftly operationalised and although the suspects attempted to flee, they were successfully apprehended.

Law enforcement seized mining equipment believed to be used in the illegal activities, a vehicle, and suspected diamond-bearing rocks during the arrests.

In a separate incident on October 26, a 57-year-old man was arrested and fined for violating the Liquor Act at the Samaria informal settlement in Kimberley, where he was found trading alcohol illegally. A substantial quantity of liquor was confiscated, and the illegal establishment was shut down.

Sergeant Pilane said that the Operation Vala Umgodi team remains committed to a zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and associated crimes in the Northern Cape.