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