Four suspects arrested in illegal mining clampdown in Namakwa District
Law enforcement officials also confiscated equipment and tools believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining activities. Pictures: SAPS
IN THE ongoing fight against illicit mining activities in the Namakwa District, the multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi executed an intelligence-driven operation in Kleinzee this week, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane confirmed that the operation was successful in apprehending individuals involved in illegal mining activities. The suspects were taken into custody at the identified mining location.
The arrested individuals include three Lesotho men aged between 25 and 32, as well as a Zimbabwean man, aged 31. They are now facing charges related to illegal mining.
During the operation, law enforcement officials also confiscated equipment and tools believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining activities.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts of the team members and emphasised the importance of community involvement. She urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mining activities, discouraging the harbouring of illegal miners within their communities.
