Ongoing focused illicit mining operations under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi have secured arrests and the seizure of uncut diamonds in the Namakwa District.
On Monday, 21 April 2025, five male suspects aged between 23 and 50 were arrested following the interception of a white Toyota Hilux bakkie on the R355 en route to Port Nolloth.
The vehicle was allegedly transporting illegal miners from Nuttabooi.
Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered unpolished diamonds and undocumented immigrants.
The suspects were detained and face charges of possession of unpolished diamonds and contravention of immigration laws.
Operation Vala Umgodi remains a strategic intervention targeting illegal mining across the Northern Cape.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) calls on members of the public to support ongoing efforts to combat crime by reporting any suspicious or criminal activity via the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App.
Operation Vala Umgodi in Kleinzee results in seizure of diamonds and arrest of suspectshttps://t.co/SZNNkwLoC2#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/P7ElW6Ey4I
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 21, 2025
