Kimberley illicit mining raid snags 14 undocumented workers
During the raid, authorities discovered the employer had hired 14 male suspects, aged between 20 and 50, who are believed to be undocumented foreign nationals.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
FOURTEEN suspected undocumented foreign nationals were detained during a joint operation in Kimberley this week, while their employer was fined R15,000 for hiring them.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, 19 February, at a construction site in Kimberley by the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services.
According to authorities, the employer — a 66-year-old documented foreign national — had hired 14 male workers believed to be undocumented foreign nationals. The men are aged between 20 and 50.
Officials issued the employer with a R15,000 fine for employing the undocumented individuals.
The 14 suspects have been detained and are currently being processed and verified by immigration officials. They are expected to face formal charges and court proceedings related to deportation.
Authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team to identify and disrupt illicit mining activities and other criminal endeavours in the district.
The task team has indicated that operations of this nature will continue as part of its broader mandate to address illicit mining and related crimes in the Frances Baard District.