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Operation Vala Umgodi detains 45 illegal mining suspects in the Northern Cape

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Multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi teams in the Northern Cape are making strides in the curbing of illicit mining activities.

Teams comprising of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, Springbok POP, Provincial Firearm, Liquor and Second Hand goods (FLASH), arrested forty five (45) suspects for illegal mining, the contravention of the Immigration Act as well as the Firearms and Ammunition statutes during weekly operations that commenced on Monday, 29 July 2024.

The team in the Namakwa District, detained thirty undocumented immigrants during operations at Sizamile formal settlement and vehicle check points (VCP’s) at the Port Nolloth/Kleinsee, Kommagas/Hondeklipbaai intersections and Tweepad mining areas.

The team further arrested one suspect for obstructing and or defeating the ends of justice and issued numerous fines for traffic offences.

In the Frances Baard District, the team arrested twelve suspects for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Two more suspects were arrested around the Klipdam mine for contravention of the Firearm and Ammunitions Act and will appear in the Windsorton Magistrate Court soon.

The suspects are detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to Court for deportation.

Numerous mining implements believed to be utilised in the commission of illegal mining offences was confiscated during operations.

If you See something, SAY something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111.

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