Police in the Northern Cape, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force, have made significant strides in their ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in the region. Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted in the Namaqua and Frances Baard districts, resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities.
During the operation, law enforcement officials also seized a range of suspected illegal mining equipment, including generators, jackhammers, and sieves. These confiscations serve as a stern warning to those involved in illegal mining that their activities will not be tolerated.
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The operation is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the growing threat that illegal mining poses to the sustainability of the mining industry in the Namaqua district.
In September, a separate intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of 867 suspected illegal miners in the Kleinzee area. Additionally, the Asset Forfeiture Unit in Kimberley obtained a preservation order against properties belonging to alleged illegal miners, with an estimated value exceeding R960,000.
This latest crackdown follows a multidisciplinary raid conducted by the police in Kleinzee in July of last year, during which over 100 generators, jackhammers, spades, and pickaxes were seized. These proactive measures demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding the mining sector and maintaining law and order in the region.
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In a separate incident last month, the police arrested 46 individuals for trespassing and the possession of suspected uncut diamonds, further highlighting the concerted efforts being made to combat illegal activities within the mining industry.
The arrests and seizures made during Operation Vala Umgodi and previous operations send a clear message that the authorities are determined to root out illegal mining and protect the integrity of the mining industry in the Northern Cape.
