26 illegal miners arrested in Northern Cape following police operation

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Cape Town — The Kimberley Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, along with the De Aar Public Order Policing and Home Affairs’ Immigration office arrested 26 illegal miners in the Northern Cape.

In a statement, police said the team moved on the group after receiving information that illegal mining activities had been taking place at the Kromaar farm/mine.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that only nine (9) individuals are permitted to mine at the said property. According to clause nine (9) of the mining rights, none of the permit holders can transfer, assign, or sublet anybody to mine on their behalf,” Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said.

According to IOL, the arrest comes as thousands of illegal miners have still not resurfaced from the Stilfontein Mine in the North West, with SAPS officials saying extortionists demand 30% of the funds allocated towards the illegal miners.

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, said the rescue mission for the illegal miners has been targeted by extortionists.

“We are happy with what is happening, we are still maintaining that we are working with community leaders but it is unfortunate that we seem to be experiencing a bit of a challenge, but this is something we will deal with as the police,” Mokgwabone said.

“As you know, we had contractors working here, clearing the site and doing whatever that needed to be done. We are aware that some or one of the people that were here yesterday demanded something like 30 percent, meaning that we are starting to see issues relating to extortion,” Mokgwabone added.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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