As a continuation of eradicating illegal mining activities in the greater Kimberley area, a high-density operation over two days led to the arrest of 39 undocumented male persons. Another five persons were arrested for possession of drugs worth more than R350 000.
The objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in these illicit activities. Also, it was aimed at arresting and process the details of undocumented foreigners. Those found guilty will be deported back to their country of origin.
Lt.Col Sergio Kock, police spokesperson, said the multi-disciplinary operation commenced on 26 May and concluded on 27 May. Target areas were the Samaria and Greenpoint informal settlements in the mining areas and construction sites, while several suspected drug houses in Beaconsfield, Colville, Newpark, the Central Business District (CBD) and Homelite were raided.
During the operation 39 male undocumented persons were apprehended and arrested at a construction site in De Beers and the Samaria informal illegal mining area. There details were processed by officials of the Department of Home Affairs.
The arrested males are undocumented foreigners of Mozambican and Lesotho descent.
Furthermore, five persons – three males and two females – were arrested in Colville, the Samaria informal settlement, and Homelite for possession of drugs. This was after the police followed up on drug-related information. Tik, Khat and Mandrax worth more than R350 000 were confiscated at the different locations.
The arrested persons are aged 18 to 46 years old, and are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court soon.
Operations to continue
The operations were executed involving various provincial components of the South African Police Service. These include Frances Baard district personnel, specialised units, and Kimberley and surrounding police stations within the district. Also, officials of the Department of Home Affairs, Traffic Department and the Vala Umgodi team currently deployed in the Frances Baard area, were involved.
The provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, together with the deputy provincial commissioner for Policing, Maj. Gen. Johnny Besnaar, supported by the Frances Baard district commissioner, and provincial heads were also involved.
Otola reiterated that operations of this nature will continue. She said the police, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and communities, will dismantle syndicates and/or individuals who choose a life of crime.
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