Six suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape

The multi-disciplinary team executing Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape arrested six suspects for contravention of the Illicit Mining Act and Trespassing on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.

The team in the Frances Baard District, were busy conducting routine visible patrols around the old Colville mine shaft sites when members netted five suspects aged between 31 and 67, caught in the act of alleged illegal mining activities. The suspects were arrested and mining implements were confiscated.

In the Namakwa District, at the Kooinaas mine near Kleinsee, the Vala Umgodi team were alerted by mine security of an intruder inside the mine premises. The team responded and arrested the suspect.

All suspects will appear in court soon.

The police in partnership with all stakeholders will tirelessly heighten efforts to eradicate illegal mining in the Northern Cape.