Recent operations under Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts of the Northern Cape resulted in arrests for illegal mining, immigration offenses and drug trafficking.

OPERATION Vala Umgodi continues to tighten its grip on illegal mining and other criminal activities in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts of the Northern Cape.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane reported that proactive measures, including stop and search operations and disruptive actions in illegal mining hotspots, led to the recent arrest of seven men, aged between 20 and 42 years for violating immigration laws.

Additionally, a 35-year-old man was detained on November 12 for allegedly engaging in illegal mining near the R31 in Kimberley.

During a joint operation on 15 November, police and Sol Plaatje municipality security officers carried out compliance inspections at a mining site in Kimberley. These inspections discovered an illegal water connection to the municipal main.

In a separate incident, an intelligence-led operation targeted a flat in New Park suspected of drug activity. This led to the seizure of a significant amount of dagga with an estimated street value of R7,000, along with cash believed to be proceeds of crime. A suspect was arrested at the scene.

Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to preventing and combating illegal mining and related criminal activities in the province. The public is urged to report criminal activity via the MySAPS app or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111. Informants can remain anonymous.