44 arrested as Kimberley police swoop on drug dens and illegal mining

A SWEEPING crackdown by the Kimberley police zeroed in on illegal mining operations and drug dens spread across the city. Over just 48 hours, authorities executed a two-phase blitz targeting hot spots in and around the city, arresting dozens and seizing hundreds of thousands of rand worth of illicit substances.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that the operation, led by the province’s top police brass, unfolded in the Samaria and Greenpoint informal settlements and extended into Kimberley’s central business district, as well as Beaconsfield, Colville, Newpark, and Homelite.

The operation aimed to break down illegal mining networks by seizing tools, machinery, and other equipment used in these activities. Authorities also targeted undocumented foreign nationals, arresting and processing them for deportation where applicable.

Spearheaded by the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the operations brought together a wide range of forces, including SAPS provincial units, Frances Baard District teams, specialised task forces, police stations from Kimberley and nearby areas, as well as officials from Home Affairs, the Traffic Department, and the Vala Umgodi team stationed in Frances Baard.

The multi-agency, high-density operation was carried out in two phases over two days. It targeted illegal mining sites in the Samaria and Greenpoint informal settlements, as well as nearby construction areas. Simultaneously, the police raided suspected drug houses in Beaconsfield, Colville, Newpark, the CBD, and Homelite.

During the operation, 39 undocumented men were arrested at a construction site in De Beers and at the illegal mining zone in the Samaria informal settlement. Home Affairs officials processed the individuals, who were identified as foreign nationals from Mozambique and Lesotho. In separate incidents, five people—three men and two women - were arrested for drug possession in Colville, Samaria, and Homelite.

Acting on intelligence, the police seized tik, khat and mandrax with an estimated street value of over R350,000 during raids at multiple locations linked to drug activity.

The arrested individuals, aged between 18 and 46, are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court.

The crackdown extended beyond illegal mining and drug raids. Vehicle checkpoints across the region led to 663 people and 284 cars being stopped and searched. Twenty-five traffic fines and J534 notices were issued, totalling over R15,000 in penalties.

Lieutenant-General Otola confirmed that this was the second major operation targeting illegal mining, building on last week’s efforts in the Namakwa District. She emphasised that similar operations will continue, with SAPS working alongside key partners and communities to dismantle criminal networks and hold offenders accountable. The message is clear: South Africa will not serve as a safe haven for criminals or organised crime. 

She also praised the teams involved for their dedication and coordinated efforts in upholding law and order.