Operation Vala Umgodi nabs 28 suspects in Kleinzee

The multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi in Kleinzee together with Namakwa District Visible Policing and Department of Home Affairs raided several locations to address illicit mining activities and other related crimes on Monday, 10 June 2024.

The intelligence driven operation was executed in the early hours of the morning targeting the identified hotspot areas in Kleinzee.

The team seized five bags of possible diamond bearing gravel, tools and arrested a 57-year-old South African male for illegal mining.

The operation culminated in the arrest of 27 undocumented persons which includes, 12 Zimbabwean nationals between the ages of 28 and 50, 12 Lesotho ationals between the ages of 26 and 58 and three Mozambican nationals between the ages of 17 and 40.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The Operation Vala Umgodi team in Kleinzee in conjunction with external stakeholders remain committed in the fight against illicit mining and other related crimes in the area.