A total of 867 persons, of which a majority were undocumented persons, were apprehended and arrested for various offences during a multi-disciplinary operation at Kleinzee on the Northern Cape coastline.
During this two-in-one joint operation in the Namakwa District the focus was on illegal mining at the AK62 mining block, and the Springbok hostel situated in Kleinzee, and was executed on Tuesday, 19 September, and Wednesday, 20 September.
The operation focused on illegal mining activities in the Kleinzee area during which numerous digging equipment and implements were confiscated, said Brig. Mashay Gamieldien, provincial police spokesperson.
During the disruptive action, police members entered the mining areas and arrested illegal diggers in the unauthorised areas.
The Springbok hostel was also demolished after the police actions. Unfortunately, three males were injured during the action and had to receive medical treatment afterwards.
The provincial commissioner, Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, stated that these actions sent a clear message to illegal miners that their disregard for the law will not be tolerated, and continuous actions will prevail unabated and relentlessly.
Otola also commented that these actions issued a clear message to the locals that harboring illegal foreigners and undocumented persons are an offence, and they will be prosecuted.
She thanked the members of all agencies for their commitment and dedication in this collaborative quest to reclaim the mines from illegal diggers.
Gamieldien said all detainees will be appearing in various magistrate’s courts within the district and will be transferred to holding facilities.
The operation was led by the provincial commissioner, accompanied by her three deputy provincial commissioners, provincial heads, senior managers from the national office, the Namakwa District commander, and immigration officials of the Department of Home Affairs, provincial components, and units.
Three SAPS helicopters also assisted the ground forces with aerial support.
Early in August, 13 illicit miners died underground when a mine tunnel collapsed. Despite of this, and many similar incidents before, illegal miners from Southern African countries, as well as South Africans, continue to flock to this area in search of diamonds.
