Police in the Northern Cape have arrested 15 individuals linked to illegal mining operations and the possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. The arrests were carried out during a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-led initiative under Operation Vala Umgodi.
Authorities received a tip-off about suspicious nighttime mining activities at a diamond site in Koingnaas. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, officers moved in and detained 10 suspects who were allegedly involved in the unlawful excavation of diamonds. Alongside their arrests, police discovered unpolished diamonds in their possession.
Three additional suspects were apprehended in the Longlands area, where reports had surfaced about illicit mining taking place. Police also seized various tools believed to have been used in the illegal mining, along with gravel suspected to contain diamonds.
All 15 suspects are scheduled to appear in their respective Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, 23 June 2025.
Meanwhile, in the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, approximately 150 individuals have been arrested in connection with drug-related offences. This follows a week-long crime-fighting campaign that began on Tuesday, June 17, and concluded on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Out of the total arrests, 11 suspects face charges of drug dealing, while 139 were taken in for possession of illegal substances. Confiscated during the operations were 304 mandrax tablets, 87.67 grams of tik, 11 grams of mandrax powder, two grams of cocaine, and one gram of crack cocaine.
In a separate intelligence-driven raid on a residence located on Circular Road in Parkdene, George, police recovered 115 mandrax tablets, 20 small bags of tik and a single R5 rifle round.
The suspects will appear in court following the formal laying of charges.