Six suspects were arrested for contravention of the illicit mining act and trespassing during Operation Shanela on Wednesday, the 19th of June 2024. Police spokesperson sergeant Timothy Sam says the police in the Frances Baard district were busy conducting routine visible patrols around the old Colville Mine and netted 5 suspects aged between 31 and 67 years of age busy with alleged illegal mining activities. Sam says police also confiscated mining implements. He says in the Namakwa district at the Kooinaas mine near Kleinsee, the Vala Umgodi police were alerted by mine security of an intruder inside the mine premises and they arrested the 6th suspect. They are all expected to appear in court soon. 

Journalist: Tsosangkgotla Mararang
Email: tsosan@radioriverside.co.za