Roodepan man arrested for hiding suspected mandrax tablets during SAPS operation
OPERATION VALA UMGODI
Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape has resulted in the arrest of 34 suspects, aged between 18 and 64, for various crimes, including illegal mining, drug dealing, and immigration-related violations.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
THE SOUTH African Police Service's Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape has resulted in the arrest of 34 suspects, aged between 18 and 64, for various crimes, including illegal mining, drug dealing, and immigration-related violations. The operation, conducted in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts, aimed to disrupt and dismantle illicit activities in the region.
On August 7, 2025, proactive and combat teams conducted operations in Barkly West, targeting illegal mining hotspots. During the operation, intelligence led to the arrest of 16 individuals for contravening immigration laws, who were subsequently handed over to the Department of Home Affairs. In a joint operation with the Department of Home Affairs, 12 more men were arrested at businesses in Kimberley's CBD for being undocumented.
In a separate incident, two men, aged 38 and 44, were arrested in the Kagisho policing precinct for dealing in dagga, following a tip-off about suspicious activities. Significant quantities of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash were seized.
The Vala Umgodi team in Namakwa also conducted operations in the Kleinzee area, where three individuals were caught mining illegally at a private site. They were arrested for illegal mining and contravening immigration laws.
Further operations on August 10, 2025, led to the arrest of a 64-year-old man in Roodepan for hiding suspected mandrax tablets in his yard. Additionally, a tip-off from the community led to the discovery of a large quantity of dagga hidden in a power station in Tshwaragano, near Kagisho Police Station.
All suspects have been charged and are expected to appear in court soon. Investigations are ongoing, and the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape remains committed to eradicating illegal mining and all forms of criminal activity in the province.
The police encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity via the MySAPS App or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111.