KEY POINTS
- Police arrested 1,857 people nationwide for illegal mining in April.
- Over R32 million worth of uncut diamonds were seized.
- Operation Vala Umgodi has disrupted illegal mining syndicates.
Police detained 1,857 individuals across South Africa in April amid a concerted assault on illegal mining and other crimes, authorities said.
Police ramp up arrests in illegal mining crackdown nationwide
The arrests happened as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, a joint endeavor involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and other departments. The operation was intended to curb the rise of illegal mining activities and related felonies such as murder, attempted murder, and possession of explosives.
During three different raids in the Northern Cape’s Kleinzee and Port Nolloth regions, police also confiscated over 100 unpolished diamonds, according to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. Fifteen suspects who were thought to be illegal miners engaged in unlawful diamond extraction were apprehended as a result of these operations.
“During these operations, a variety of minerals were recovered, including uncut diamonds valued at over R32 million,” Van Wyk stated. “We remain committed to rooting out organized criminal networks fueling illegal mining.”
Along with the diamonds, authorities seized 75 vehicles, 385 rounds of ammunition, and 27 illegal firearms. Sedans, bakkies, lorries, trailers, tractors, and big mining equipment were among them. Additionally, officers confiscated six phenduka stands used in mineral processing as well as 341 pieces of mining equipment known as phendukas.
Authorities disrupt syndicates through illegal mining crackdown
More than 20,000 people have been arrested since Operation Vala Umgodi began in December 2023, Van Wyk continued. More than 14,000 rounds of ammunition and more than 600 firearms, some of which were imitations, have also been seized by law authorities.
“South African communities remain safer as a result of these cooperative operations, which have significantly disrupted criminal operations,” she said. “We especially appreciate the cooperation between the public, SANDF, and SAPS.”
According to Citizen, the government has promised to keep up the pressure on illicit mining syndicates that are thought to exploit disadvantaged populations and finance other unlawful operations. Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious activity and to keep helping to bring law and order back to the nation’s mining hotspots.
