Kimberley: 15 November 2023: Illegal mining is becoming an increasing risk to the sustainability of the mining industry in the Namaqua district in the Northern Cape.
The police have made great strides in the battle against illegal miners in the Namaqua district, specifically in the Kleinsee area, by arresting 867 illegal miners during an intelligence driven operation two months ago.
In ensuring the continuation of combating illicit mining activities in the area, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Koliswa Otola reinforced human and other resources to prevent the reoccurance of illegal mining activities in the area.
Between 7 and 13 November 2023 police arrested 46 persons for trespassing, undocumented immigrants and possession of suspected uncut diamonds.
The police crime prevention stop and search actions also resulted in the confiscation of numerous illegal mining implements such as, spades, pick axes, bags containing suspected diamond bearing gravel, suspected uncut diamonds, hammers and sieves.
The police will continue to monitor the situation in order to curb illicit mining.