ug stashes to diamond-laden gravel, the raids unearthed more than just illegal miners.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said that in Kimberley, seven suspects were nabbed near the notorious Otties Koppie mining dumps. They now face a slew of charges including illegal mining, drug possession, and drug dealing. The arrests followed a series of targeted stop-and-search operations aimed at disrupting criminal activity linked to the mining dumps in the Frances Baard District.

Simultaneously, another seven suspects were arrested in the Namakwa District, near the mining areas of Bontekoe and Nuttabooi in Kleinzee. Police say the group had crossed the line - not only into restricted mining zones but also into the country illegally. Along with illegal mining and trespassing charges, several of the suspects are also accused of contravening the Immigration Act.

The officers seized a silver Toyota RunX believed to have been used to ferry supplies and stolen goods, along with drugs, numerous mining tools, bags of diamond-bearing gravel, and bundles of cash suspected to be proceeds from illegal operations.

Authorities have vowed to maintain pressure on illegal mining networks and remove what they describe as a serious threat to safety, security, and the environment. The police confirmed that suspects would remain in custody and appear in court as investigations continue.

Residents are reminded to report any suspicious mining activity by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Operation Vala Umgodi is far from over - its sights are set firmly on dismantling illicit mining in the Northern Cape.

18:T7c6,A HIGH-impact police operation targeting illegal mining continues to sweep through the Northern Cape, with 14 suspects arrested in separate raids across Kimberley and Kleinzee. Operation Vala Umgodi, a province-wide crackdown on illicit mining activity and related crimes, intensified this past week as law enforcement teams zeroed in on known hot spots. From drug stashes to diamond