Diamond dust and drugs: Illegal mining crackdown nets 11 arrests in Northern Cape

A WEEKEND sweep across illegal mining hot spots in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of 11 suspects and the confiscation of an assortment of mining tools, diamond-bearing gravel, and drugs - as Operation Vala Umgodi continues its campaign against illicit mining and related crimes in the province.

According to provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, the suspects were caught in the act at two notorious illegal mining spots - Samaria in the Frances Baard District and Nuttabooi in the Namakwa District - where officers swooped in as part of an intensified operation launched on Friday, March 21. 

The suspects are expected to face a string of charges, including illegal mining, drug possession and dealing, and immigration violations.

Authorities didn’t stop at digging sites – stop-and-search operations at vehicle checkpoints and the execution of search warrants also netted results, with several additional suspects apprehended and motorists fined for traffic offences.

The operation uncovered an array of mining gear used in illicit extraction activities – from generators and extension cords to sieves, spades and bags of suspected diamond-rich gravel. Officers also seized a variety of illegal narcotics, including dagga, mandrax and crystal meth.

The arrested individuals are expected to appear in local magistrate’s courts in the coming days, as police continue to turn up the heat on illegal mining rings operating in the province.

Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious mining activity by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app.