Two suspected illegal miners were arrested during a routine patrol of the Ekapa mining area.
Image: File
A PATROL of the Ekapa mining area in Kimberley led to the arrest of two suspects for illegal mining, immigration violations, and trespassing, as authorities intensify their crackdown in the Northern Cape.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the arrests took place on May 2 during Operation Vala Umgodi, a multi-disciplinary initiative targeting illegal mining and related offences.
A 47-year-old undocumented foreign national was taken into custody for contravening immigration laws and allegedly engaging in illicit mining. A second suspect, a 34-year-old South African citizen, was arrested for illegal mining.
The team also confiscated a range of tools allegedly used for illicit mining activities, including homemade sieves, picks, shovels, spades, and a wheelbarrow.
Both suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Sergeant Sam emphasised that he operation underscores the continued efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal mining in the Northern Cape.
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