The
operation Vala Umgodi that includes the South African National Defense Force
(SANDF) and the department of home affairs immigration services ensured the
arrest of 72 undocumented immigrants in Kimberley on Sunday, the 16th June
2024. Police spokesperson sergeant Timothy Sam says the focus of the operation
was to trace and raid illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to
be conducting illegal mining around Samaria informal settlement in Kimberley.
Sam says the 72 suspects arrested include Zimbabwean, Lesotho, Nigerians and
others that will be processed and verified by the immigration officials before
being formally charged and presented to court for deportation.
Journalist: Tsosangkgotla Mararang
Email: tsosan@radioriverside.co.za