By Phenyo Selinda
Northern Cape – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested thirty-five individuals in the Northern Cape. These arrests are a part of the ongoing “Operation Vala Umgodi” which commenced on Saturday.
According to SAPS, the operation initially targeted the Bontekoe informal settlement mining area in the Namakwa District. During this operation, 27 individuals from Lesotho and Zimbabwe, aged between 20 and 49 years, were apprehended. The charges include illegal mining and contraventions of immigration laws.
A significant breakthrough occurred when mine security at Koingnaas mine premises alerted SAPS to intruders. A 24-year-old Zimbabwean male was found with unpolished diamonds in his possession and was promptly arrested.
“In Kimberley, specifically in the Frances Baard District, seven more nationals from Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, aged 24 to 54, were detained. These arrests were also for contraventions related to illegal mining and immigration statutes,” stated SAPS in an official release. Several illegal mining tools were confiscated during this operation.
Adding to the success of this extensive raid, police managed to apprehend three wanted suspects. The details of their charges remain undisclosed as investigations are ongoing.
Background of Operation Vala Umgodi
Operation Vala Umgodi, which translates to “close the hole,” is a focused initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining activities, which have surged across various provinces. The operation involves both police and mining security working in unison to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in these unlawful activities.
Impact on Community and Legal Proceedings
The arrests represent a significant step in addressing illegal mining, which has long plagued the Northern Cape area. Illegal mining not only affects the local economies but also has substantial environmental and social impacts, including increased crime rates and unsafe mining conditions.
These 35 individuals are expected to appear in court soon.
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