FRANCES BAARD DISTRICT – On Friday morning, 10 May 2024, the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team conducted a raid in the Samaria informal settlement in Kimberley, focusing on issues related to undocumented persons, illegal firearms, drugs, and illicit mining.
According to the South African Police Service, the operation resulted in the arrest of 20 undocumented nationals from Lesotho, including 19 males aged between 24 and 49 and one 27-year-old female. The authorities also seized liquor from unlicensed outlets, leading to the arrests and fines of two South African males, aged 33 and 40, for illegal liquor distribution. In addition, numerous tools and equipment believed to be used in illicit mining were confiscated. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola praised the collaboration between the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Clusters in intensifying efforts against illicit mining activities in the district.
