Operation Vala Umgodi disruptive actions continues the fight against illegal mining activities in the Northern Cape province.
The multi-disciplinary Operation comprising of SAPS combat and proactive teams, and Immigration officials, both in the Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts continue to squeeze the operating space for illegal miners.
On Friday, 01 November 2024, the teams formed part of disruptive actions in the Bontekoe and Nuttabooi mining areas as part of the Festive Season Operations. The operation also focused on illegal mining camps, where four people were arrested for contravention of Immigration laws.
Four more persons were later arrested on Saturday, 02 November 2024, also found to be illegally in the country, bringing the total of undocumented persons to eight between the ages of 24 and 40 years old.
Members in the Frances Baard District received information about a house in Woodburn street in Greenpoint Kimberley, where alleged illegal activities were taking place. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the owner, a 25-year-old man was dealing in dagga and homemade alcoholic concoction. He was subsequently arrested and charged.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded the progress made in the fight against illicit mining and related crimes. She warned members of the public to cease the harboring of illegal miners.
Operation Vala Umgodi continues to clamp down on illicit mining https://t.co/Ubvb2og3FE#ArriveAlive #IllicitMining #Operation @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/foWCzWbv5M
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 3, 2024
