Operation Vala Umgodi continues to clamp down on illegal mining activities and related crimes in the Namakwa and Frances Baard districts in the Northern Cape. During actions over the weekend, 62 undocumented immigrants were apprehended for violating the Immigration Act and other offences.
OPERATION Vala Umgodi, a concerted effort to combat illegal mining activities and related crimes, has intensified its operations in the Namakwa and Frances Baard districts of the Northern Cape.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said that the joint task force, comprising members of the SA Police Service (SAPS), the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, made significant strides over the weekend.
During the weekend operations, 62 undocumented immigrants were apprehended for violating the Immigration Act and other offences.
The multi-disciplinary teams executed visibility patrols, conducted stop-and-search operations and carried out targeted raids at specific locations.
The team in the Frances Baard District focused on construction sites, resulting in the detention of 35 undocumented immigrants. Of these, 24 were verified and processed for court proceedings.
In addition, the team arrested suspects involved in illegal mining and tracked down wanted individuals who had evaded court appearances.
In the Namakwa District, the team received intelligence about illegal mining activities in the Sizamile settlement in Port Nolloth. They detained 22 undocumented immigrants and arrested suspects for drug possession, drug dealing and violations of mining regulations.
Several suspects were also fined under the Road Traffic Management Act.
The task teams furthermore confiscated various mining tools believed to have been used in the commission of these crimes.
Undocumented suspects are currently undergoing verification by officials from the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services. Once verified, they will face formal charges and potential deportation.
Other suspects arrested for different offences will also be presented in court soon.
Sam said that the SAPS, under Operation Vala Umgodi, remain resolute in their mission to combat illegal mining and associated criminal activities In the Province.
He encouraged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious mining activities to the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
