In the quest to address, clamp down and curb crime including the ongoing illegal mining activities in the Namakwa area , the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and accompanied by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews supported by the Provincial Heads of Corporate Communication and Liaison, Crime Intelligence and Provincial Operational Command Centre executed operations over two days at different locations in the region.
The objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in illicit mining activities.
Arresting and processing undocumented foreigners with those found guilty being deported back to their country of origin.
The operations were executed involving various SAPS Provincial components, specialised units, police stations within the district, officials from the Department Home Affairs and the Vala Umgodi team currently deployed in Namakwa area.
The operations were executed in two phases over two days, commencing on 22 May 2025 and concluding on 23 May 2025. Areas targeted were the Nuttabooi informal settlement in the mining area, Koingnaas and Port Nolloth.
During the operations a total of 18 persons were apprehended and arrested in Nuttabooi, Koingnaas and Port Nolloth and were processed by Home Affairs officials.
16 Persons were undocumented foreigners of Zimbabwean and Lesotho decent (two females and 14 males) while two males were also arrested for possession of drugs.
The arrested persons are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrates Court soon.
Suspected drug houses in Sizamele and Nollothville in Port Nolloth were raided, where it was alleged that drugs were sold and illegal activities were executed.
Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola cited that the authority of the state will be restored and continuous operations of this nature will be executed to stamp down the authority of the state by forcing illegal miners to resurface and enforce the law.
She commended all the role players involved in the execution of the operations and appreciated their concerted efforts in restoring law and order.
