8 Arrested In Drugs And Illicit Mining Operations

Initiatives aimed at curbing drug crimes in mining areas, by the Northern Cape’s multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team have  led to the arrest of eight (8), individuals.

Operation Vala Umgodi team conducted a series of disruptive actions from Thursday, 06 March 2025, across the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts.

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The arrested persons are between the ages of  27 and 42, on a variety of serious charges.

Drug Seizures And Arrests In Galeshewe

The team from the Kimberley Venue Operations Centre (VOC) followed up on crucial intelligence regarding drug trafficking in Galeshewe.

Their efforts resulted in the discovery of a house used for dealing illegal substances.

Authorities seized a substantial amount of drugs, including Mandrax tablets, Crystal Meth, and Khat, valued at approximately R3,180.h

They also recovered R8,780 in cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities.

As part of the operation, the team also apprehended three individuals who had just carried out a robbery near the site of the drug bust.

The suspects are now facing various charges, including robbery with a weapon and resisting arrest.

Disruptive Actions and Crime Prevention Patrols

According to a statement issued by the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), Operation Vala Umgodi also involved proactive measures such as vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, and regular crime prevention patrols in and around mining communities.

The statement noted that, these actions, conducted by the Kimberley and Kleinsee VOC teams, have been key in disrupting illegal mining and related criminal activities.

The initiative has already led to several traffic violation fines being issued across Frances Baard and Namakwa.

SAPS Encourage Resident To Report Illegal Mining Activities

Residents are encouraged to help protect their communities by reporting any illegal mining activities or criminal behaviour.

They charged resident to call the Crime Stop hotline as it is available at 08600 10111

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