In an effort to address the pursuing illicit mining activities in the Namakwa District, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, executed a two-in-one joint multi-disciplinary operation with the main focus on illicit mining at the AK 64 mining block and the Springbok hostel situated in Kleinsee. The operations were led by the Lieutenant General Otola, accompanied by her three Deputy Provincial Commissioners, Provincial Heads, senior managers from the National office, the Namakwa District Commander and officials from the Department of Home Affairs, provincial components and units. According to a statement by the police,  the multi-disciplinary operation was conducted in the Namakwa area and commenced yesterday, 19 September 2023 until today 20 September 2023. The police say, during the disruptive actions a total of 867 persons were apprehended and arrested for various offences of whom majority were undocumented persons. The operation focused on illegal mining activities in the Kleinzee area during which numerous digging equipment and implements were confiscated. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola commended the multi-disciplinary task teams including the management of the AK 64 mine who assisted in the execution of the disruptive actions and stated that these actions sent a clear message to illegal miners that their disregard for the law will not be tolerated and continuous actions wilt prevail unabated. 

Journalist: Rodrick Titus
Email: roderick@radioriverside.co.za