Members of Operation Vala Umgodi arrested six undocumented illegal miners at a residence in Sizamile, Port Nolloth, on Monday, 28 April 2025, in a major breakthrough.
Authorities Seize Diamonds and Cash
According to South African Police Services, while conducting a community outreach programme in Komaggas. The team received credible information about foreign nationals allegedly in possession of unpolished diamonds.
Acting swiftly, the police operationalised the intelligence and raided the identified premises.
During the search, authorities seized unpolished diamonds and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The six male suspects, aged between 18 and 33, failed to produce valid immigration documents, leading to their immediate arrest.
Police Charge Suspects
Police charged the suspects with possession of unpolished diamonds and with contraventions of Immigration Laws.
Limpopo Operation Leads to Success in Port Nolloth as Police Tackle Illegal Mining
As part of a broader strategy to combat illicit mining across the country, the Limpopo operation on Sunday, 27 April, led to the arrest of five suspects aged between 18 and 50.
This was followed by a successful operation in Port Nolloth.
In the Limpopo operation, police targeted the Saselamani and Letsitele policing areas, successfully arresting a 37-year-old male in Matiyane Village, Saselamani, who was caught loading sand into a white Hino truck without a mining permit. Authorities confiscated the truck and a shovel.
SAPS Calls for Public Support
The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to urge the public to support crime-fighting efforts by participating in the “Rate Our Service” online survey. Aimed at improving service delivery.
SAPS also encourages citizens to report criminal activities by contacting the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS App.
How do you think illegal mining affects local communities?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to060 011 021 1.
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