SAPS - South African Police Service

07/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/28/2024 02:11

Operation Vala Umgodi derains 22 suspects in the Northern Cape

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape

KIMBERLEY - The police remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to address the challenges of illegal mining in the Northern Cape.

The multi-disciplinary teams comprising of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, Springbok K9 and Port Nolloth Crime Prevention Units as well as Provincial Traffic officers, arrested 22 (Twenty two) suspects for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act during operations that commenced on Thursday, 25 July 2024.

The team in the Namakwa District, detained 15 (Fifteen) undocumented immigrants during vehicle checkpoints (VCP's) at the Port Nolloth/Kleinsee intersection and Bontakoe informal settlement.

The team also issued traffic fines for several traffic offences.

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.

In the Frances Baard District, the team arrested 7 (seven) suspects for illegal mining and detained undocumented foreign nationals for verification by the Department of Home Affairs, Immigration Services Officials.

In addition, the team policed 2 (two) major events in Kimberley through crime prevention and visibility patrols.

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

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

Enquiries:
Sergeant Timothy Sam
082 494 9981

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za