Kimberley: The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape, through Operation Vala Umgodi, continues to intensify efforts to curb illicit mining and associated criminal activities, thereby restoring law and order in mining-affected areas across the province. A total of eight suspects, aged between 24 and 49, were apprehended during multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operations conducted in the Frances Baard District.
According to South African Police Service, operational teams, comprising of both proactive and tactical combat units, acted on verified intelligence and discovered a significant quantity of abandoned dagga at the Beefmaster illegal mining site. Additionally, five male suspects were arrested at a construction site in Rhodesdene, Kimberley, for contravening South African Immigration Laws after it was confirmed they were residing in the country illegally.
On Thursday, 12 June 2025, two men aged 22 and 26 were arrested in an informal settlement near Tlhageng, Galeshewe, for dealing in drugs. Police confiscated methamphetamine (commonly known as Tik) and Mandrax tablets during the arrest. Furthermore, a 31-year-old male suspect was apprehended in De Beershoogte, Barkly West, after being found in possession of suspected Tik and Mandrax tablets. The drugs were seized as evidence.
All suspects are expected to appear in the Kimberley and Barkly West Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. Investigations remain ongoing. The SAPS remains resolute in its mission to dismantle illegal mining networks and related criminal enterprises in the Northern Cape.
The public is encouraged to report criminal activity anonymously via the MySAPS App or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.