Illegal mining bust in Kimberley yields arrest and seizure of equipment
A 50-year-old male suspect was arrested and mining equipment seized during a Kimberley SAPS Task Team raid on alleged illegal mining activities in the Kenilworth mining area on January 29.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
THE KIMBERLEY SAPS Task Team, led by Vispol Commander Colonel Keamogetse Makobo, has cracked down on illegal mining activities in the Kenilworth mining area, arresting a 50-year-old male suspect and seizing mining equipment.
The operation, conducted on January 29, followed a tip-off and saw three other suspects flee the scene as police arrived at approximately 4.10pm.
The arrested suspect, believed to be a foreign national, is facing charges of illegal mining, possession of suspected diamond-bearing material, and being undocumented. He is set to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate's Court soon.
Colonel Makobo's team is continuing to investigate, with efforts under way to track down the three fugitive suspects.
SAPS said the operation underscores the Kimberley police's commitment to combating illegal mining activities in the area.