Central SA
20 Suspects arrested for illegal mining in Northern Cape─── 10:29 Sat, 16 Mar 2024
PHOTO: Supplied/SAPS
Police on Thursday (14/3) arrested 20 people on suspicion of illegal mining during routine checks in Kleinzee in the Northern Cape.
While performing vehicle check points as part of its Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining activities, police encountered a blue Mazda bakkie with six occupants and 11 bags containing possible diamond bearing gravel and tools.
All six suspects, who are between the ages of 22 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and the bakkie confiscated.
A further 12 people were also arrested as part of the operation and a Toyota bakkie and mining implements confiscated.
