A total of 72 undocumented immigrants are expected to make their first court appearance in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (18/6).

The suspects were arrested on Sunday (16/6) by a multidisciplinary team while tracing and raiding illegal and undocumented immigrants who are suspected of conducting illegal mining around the Samaria informal settlement in Kimberley.

The immigrants arrested are from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Nigeria while others were yet to be processed and verified by the immigration officials and presented to the court for deportation.

72 undocumented immigrants are expected to appear in court on Tuesday (18/6). Picture supplied

“The police, through Operation Vala Umgodi, remains committed to working with other stakeholders in addressing the scourge of illicit mining driven by undocumented and or illegal migrants,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson Timothy Sam.

“The focus of the operation was to trace and raid illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to be conducting illegal mining in the area.”

“The team’s actions and activities included visibility patrols, stop and searches, and raids at specified addresses,” said Sam.

The undocumented immigrants were arrested in Kimberley on Sunday (16/6). Picture supplied

Meanwhile, five suspects will appear in the Orkney, Virginia, and Welkom Magistrates' Courts respectively on Tuesday (18/6) for possession of explosive devices, gold-bearing material and illegal immigration.

Three foreign nationals were arrested on Sunday (16/6) after information was received regarding illicit mining activities at Kanana, Orkney. They were detained for having explosive devices on them and for being in the country illegally.

A suspect (39) was arrested on Saturday (15/6) by detectives in Theunissen for having gold-bearing material on him.

Lastly, a man (19) was arrested for illegal immigration by Operation Vala Umgodi members who were conducting illegal mining operations at River Road, Harmony, Virginia.

Explosive devices seized by police in Orkney. Picture supplied

“To ensure safety in the mining areas, high police visibility and bush foot patrols were conducted together with members of the SANDF,” said Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng.

“On Sunday and Monday, seven-stop searches were conducted, three mine shafts were visited, and five bush patrols were conducted.”

“We can confirm five suspects will appear at the Orkney, Virginia, and Welkom Magistrates’ Courts respectively on Tuesday,” said Thakeng.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony and Zenande Mpame cg