The Northern Cape police have arrested 12 suspects during Operation Vala Umgodi over the past weekend. Four suspects were arrested on charges of illegal mining and trespassing in Kleinzee.

#sapsNC The continuous intelligence driven disruptive ops conducted on Saturday, 18/01, by the multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi with the focus on #IllegalMining and other related crimes in Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts secured the arrest of 12 suspects for… pic.twitter.com/ZrrqFpk299

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 20, 2025

Meanwhile in Barkly West in the Francis Baard District, five suspects were arrested on charges of contravening the Immigration Act and being in possession of ammunition.

Provincial police spokesperson, Molefi Shemane says they also arrested four suspects on drug-related crimes in various parts of the province.

“The police seized equipment suspected to be used in the commission of illicit mining and bags containing possible suspected diamond-bearing material. In the Frances Baard District, members received information about illegal activities taking place at identified locations in Barkly West. The police pounced and arrested five undocumented persons between the ages of 26 and 47 years old as well as the seizure of ammunition.”