A joint operation was formed on 6 July 2022 to disrupt illegal mining in the Namakwa district. This operation is said to be focusing on Oubeep, Kleinsee, Nuttabooi and Bontekoei in the Northern Cape.

SAPS spokesperson Mashay Gamieldien said various SAPS components and units teamed up with the Department of Home Affairs, the State Security Agency and the Department of Minerals to execute the operation, under the command of the Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Brigadier Hennie van Rensburg.

“Numerous [items consisting of] mining equipment and implements, as well as five vehicles, were seized during the operation, including 130 generators and 121 jack hammers, spades, chisels, drilling machines, picks and grinders. The total value of the equipment and seized vehicles amounted to R3,5 million. One firearm and drugs were also seized at the mining area. In total, 95 undocumented persons were detained, 14 were arrested for illegal mining, and one person for the possession of narcotics.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon.

Mpho Mohapi/OFM News