Operation Vala Umgodi, remains committed in addressing illicit mining, which was evident with the detention of 6 suspects aged between 23-34 in Bontekoe in Kleinsee, during operations that commenced on Sunday, 09 March 2025.
The focus of the operation was to trace and raid illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to be conducting illegal mining around Nattaboi and Bontekoe mining areas.
The six Lesotho nationals who were detained, five men and one woman, will be vetted and checked by immigration officials before being prosecuted and taken to court to be deported.
The team also confiscated 11 bags of diamond bearing gravel that could not be linked to a suspect.
The police through Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to working with other stakeholders in addressing the scourge of illicit mining driven by undocumented and or illegal migrants.
