In the Northern Cape
Reporter – George April
Kimberley:- Illegal diamond mining remains a growing concern in the Northern Cape, with fifteen suspects arrested this past week in a major clampdown across multiple districts.
In a coordinated, intelligence-led operation under Operation Vala Umgodi, police teams swooped down on illegal mining activities in Koingnaas, Longlands, and Kimberley between 17 and 20 June 2025. The operation, spearheaded by SAPS units in the Namakwa and Francis Baard Districts, targeted known hotspots where mining is conducted unlawfully, often under the cover of darkness.
Ten suspects were caught red-handed during a night-time raid at a mining site in Koingnaas, where officers found them actively digging and in possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. Police also confiscated gravel believed to contain diamond ore and mining tools.
In a separate raid in Francis Baard District, the Provincial TAC-JOC team led by Colonel Sebenzile Qunta disrupted operations at the Beefmaster illegal mining camp, seizing a large amount of dagga.
Meanwhile, in Kimberley, three undocumented foreign nationals were arrested at a wholesale shop in Phakamile Mabija Street, believed to be linked to broader illegal operations in the area.
Two additional suspects were arrested in Longlands on Friday following tip-offs about ongoing illicit mining activities in the vicinity.
All fifteen suspects, aged between 22 and 50, are expected to appear in their respective magistrates’ courts on Monday, 23 June 2025. Charges range from illegal mining and possession of unpolished diamonds to contraventions of the Immigration Act.
Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on unlawful mining, which not only threatens national resources but often funds broader criminal networks.
“The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape remains resolute in its efforts to combat illegal mining and all related criminal activities,” the SAPS said in a statement.
Police are urging the public to report suspicious behavior or information related to illegal mining via the MySAPS App or anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
For media enquiries: Sergeant Merapelo Pilane – 071 687 9401