1 857 arrested in illegal mining crackdown
A month-long blitz on illegal mining sees nearly 2 000 suspects arrested and a haul of diamonds, firearms, and mining equipment seized in a sweeping Vala Umgodi operation.
Vala Umgodi Operations led to three arrests of 1 857 suspects of different nationalities in April.
The suspects were arrested for illegal mining-related offences and various other crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of counterfeit goods.
More than 100 unpolished diamonds, including suspected diamond stones, were seized during the three separate Vala Umgodi operations.
Other items seized include 27 unlicensed firearms, 385 rounds of ammunition, 71 vehicles (sedans, bakkies, trucks, mining machines, trailers, and tractors), 341 phendukas, and six phenduka stands.
On April 21, an intelligence-driven operation in Primrose and Rietvlei resulted in the arrest of 10 illegal miners.
A joint operation at Marathon/ Rasta informal settlement in Primrose led to the arrest of eight individuals who were found in possession of various equipment, including phendukas, steel balls, gas cylinders, and generators. Two of these suspects were also found in possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition.
