Police in the North West believe that they’ve made a breakthrough in their efforts to fight illegal mining in the province.
This after they seized a large quantity of food items destined for illegal miners and arrested 22 undocumented foreign nationals at a farm between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp on Friday.
Police said the quantity and value of food items are yet to be quantified.
“The success was achieved following the monitoring of the activities that took place at a farm situated between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp.
“”The suspects were allegedly found packing and wrapping different food items seemingly destined for distribution to illegal miners at various shafts in and around Vaal Reefs. The police seized two unlicensed firearms during the arrest,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Ventersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, on various charges including contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng, said the discovery of the farm, its contents, and the arrest of the illegal migrants, is proof of how illegal mining is well organised and funded in the country.
“It is deeply worrying that a farm that is supposed to promote legal farming has been used to harbour illegal foreigners and to aid illegal mining instead of contributing meaningfully to promoting food security. The police will make sure that the owner of the farm is prosecuted for benefiting from proceeds of crime,” warned Asaneng.
