Illegal mining operation nets successes

NAMAKWA – In an effort to address illegal mining activities in the Namakwa District along the coast especially focusing on Oubeep, Kleinsee, Nuttabooi and Bontekoei, a joint operation was executed on 06 July 2022 and 07 July 2022.

The disruptive actions commenced during the hours of Wednesday morning, 06 July 2022, when the police closed in on illegal miners in the Nuttabooi mining area. Approximately 300 illegal miners were found digging at the identified site where the operation was executed.

Numerous mining equipment and implements as well as five vehicles were seized during the operation including 130 generators and 121 jack hammers, spades, chisels, drilling machines, picks and grinders. The total value of the equipment and seized vehicles amounted to 3,5 million (three and half million rand).

One firearm was also seized at the mining area and drugs. The collective team also conducted searches at the informational settlement in Bontekoei. 95 Undocumented persons, 14 persons for illegal mining and 1 person for Possession of Narcotics were arrested.