Nine nabbed for illegal mining in Namakwa District
A MULTI-disciplinary law enforcement operation targeting illegal mining in the Namakwa District led to the arrest of nine suspects at the Koingnaas mine near Kleinzee on Monday.
The crackdown was carried out by members of Operation Vala Umgodi, which includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and private security company Vetus. Acting on intelligence gathered by Crime Intelligence, the team conducted a disruptive operation at the identified mining site.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane confirmed that the operation resulted in the arrest of nine individuals “actively involved” in illegal mining activities.
Six suspects, aged between 33 and 63, were charged with illegal mining and trespassing. The remaining three, aged between 32 and 42, face additional charges for being in South Africa illegally after failing to produce valid documentation.
During the operation, authorities also seized bags of suspected diamond-bearing gravel and mining tools believed to have been used in the illegal activities.
Sergeant Shemane emphasised that the SAPS remains committed to eradicating illicit mining in the Northern Cape and urged the public to report any suspected illegal mining activities by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app.
