In the Northern Cape, the continuous efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi continue to yield noteworthy outcomes. During intelligence-driven, multidisciplinary operations, 24 people, ages 22 to 44, were taken into custody in relation to unlawful mining operations and immigration law violations.
In the Namakwa District, eight suspects were detained by combat and proactive teams at a private, restricted property close to Kleinzee for engaging in illegal mining and violating South African immigration laws, according to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane. According to Pilane, Vala Umgodi teams in the Francis Baard District responded to information about undocumented workers at several Minerva Gardens construction sites on July 22, 2025.
Eleven men were consequently taken into custody and turned over to immigration officials for additional processing. Fines were imposed on employers who were found to be in violation. Following a tip-off regarding illicit activities on a privately owned mining property, the SAPS and a mine security company based in Kimberley conducted a joint operation in which five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining
Along with suspected diamond-bearing gravel, a number of tools thought to have been used in illicit mining were seized. It is anticipated that all detained suspects will soon appear in local magistrates’ courts,” he stated.
Pilane added that Operation Vala Umgodi is still dedicated to stopping illicit mining and making sure immigration laws are followed. He went on to say that anyone can use the MySAPS App or call the Crime Stop number, 08600 10111, to anonymously report any criminal activity.
