Vala Umgodi arrests 18 for contravention of immigration laws

EIGHTEEN individuals were arrested by Operation Vala Umgodi for contravention of immigration laws in the Namakwa and Frances Baard districts. The arrests were made during disruptive operations aimed at illegal mining activities.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane reported that multi-disciplinary teams comprising SAPS and SANDF members, in conjunction with Inter-Provincial Operation members, as well as air support from the Airwing, conducted actions in the Koingnaas mining area on November 26.

Four men, aged between 25 and 38, were apprehended after being found hiding under bushes at an old mining site. Mining equipment was seized, and their hiding spots were destroyed.

On November 27, the team in the Frances Baard District, along with Immigration officials, received intelligence about a minibus taxi allegedly transporting undocumented foreign nationals between the Free State province and Kimberley.

The vehicle was intercepted on the R64 road to Kimberley. A search revealed that all 14 passengers, aged between 20 and 32, lacked proper documentation to be in the country legally. They were arrested and handed over to Home Affairs officials for verification.

Sergeant Pilane emphasised that the policing of illegal mining-related activities is set to continue throughout the festive season and beyond. The public is encouraged to report any criminal activities via the MySAPS app or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.