Game over: Police bust illegal miners hiding on game farm, seize uncut diamonds

THE SOUTH African Police Service dealt a blow to illegal mining operations in the Northern Cape, arresting 11 suspects and recovering uncut diamonds in a series of raids across Kimberley and Kleinzee.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the arrests were made during a crackdown by Operation Vala Umgodi teams, who targeted known illegal mining hot spots in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts this week. The operation included specialised SAPS units working alongside immigration officials and environmental inspectors.

A major breakthrough came when officers swooped on a game reserve farm near Koingnaas in the Namakwa District, acting on intelligence that illegal miners were using the remote property as a hideout. 

Nine suspects were found on the premises and are facing charges ranging from trespassing and illegal possession of uncut diamonds to contravening immigration laws.

In a separate incident in Beaconsfield, Kimberley, two men were arrested for being in the country illegally during compliance inspections. A local business owner was fined for employing undocumented workers.

The police also confiscated mining tools and equipment suspected to have been used in illegal operations at mine dumps in both the Namakwa and Frances Baard districts, delivering another blow to the illicit trade.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to stamping out illegal mining, which continues to pose serious risks to public safety, the environment, and the economy. The SAPS has called on the public to report suspicious activity using the MySAPS app or the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.