Criminal activities in and around the Postmasburg landfill site have reportedly been linked to cable theft incidents, affecting nearby mining operations.
In an effort to curb these criminal activities, several arrests were recently executed during an integrated operation in the area.
The operation was executed with members of the Northern Cape Operation Vala Umgodi Roving Team, and security teams of Beeshoek and Kolomela Mines, under the Mission Area Joint Operational Centre (Majoc).
Four suspects were apprehended for violations related to immigration laws and drug dealing. Two are foreign nationals, aged 25 and 32. They were detained and their details processed by officials of the Department of Home Affairs: Immigration Services, and they will face legal proceedings in court.
The other two, who are South African nationals aged 26 and 36, were arrested for drug-related offences.
During the operation, several illegal structures were dismantled. A woman and her five children were referred to the Department of Social Development for further support and care.
Sgt Timothy Sam, police spokesperson, reminds members of the public, “If you see something, say something.”
Three arrested for extortion
In another unrelated case, three men from Victoria West have been arrested for extortion on Thursday, 22 May, said Sgt Merapelo Pilane.
It is alleged that on Monday, 19 May, the complainant in this case was approached by the three suspects at a construction site at the Gama sub-station near Victoria West.
The suspects, aged 35 to 60 years old, introduced themselves as representatives of a committee from Victoria West, and demanded the removal of current appointed sub-contractors. The complainant was also instructed to only employ candidates of the committee’s choice.
The three men continued to threaten the complainant with violence, should he not adhere to their demands.
The incident was reported to the police and an extortion case was registered. It was handed over to the police’s Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation. Investigations led to the arrest of the suspects who were expected to appear in the Victoria West Magistrates’ Court soon.
Extortion is deemed as a serious crime which impacts the economy of the Northern Cape, said Pilane.
Large amount of drugs confiscated
In yet another police action, a 43-year-old female was arrested after she was found in possession of a large quantity of suspected drugs at a residence in Galeshewe on Thursday, 22 May.
It is alleged that the police received information about a house in Dorah Pico Street in Galeshewe, Kimberley, where drugs are believed to be stored. The information was operationalised and the identified house was visited and searched.
During the search, a large amount of drugs, believed to be Cat with an estimated value of over R330 000, was found hidden in one of the rooms. The woman was arrested and the suspected drugs confiscated.
She is expected to appear in court soon and the police investigation continues, said Pilane.
Curbing illegal mining
To curb crime, including the ongoing illegal mining activities in the Namakwa area of the Northern Cape, another operation by joint forces was executed at different locations in the region.
The objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in illicit mining activities, said Brig. Mashay Gamieldien, police spokesperson.
The operations were executed in two phases over two days, commencing on 22 May and concluding on 23 May in the Nuttabooi informal settlement in the mining area, Koingnaas, and Port Nolloth.
During the operation, a total of 18 persons were arrested. After their details were processed by the Department of Home Affairs, it was found that 16 were undocumented foreigners of Zimbabwean and Lesotho descent. Another two males were arrested for possession of drugs.
The arrested persons are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrates’ Court soon. Suspected undocumented foreigners will be deported back to their country of origin.
- The police encourage the public to report illegal mining and other criminal activities to the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. All information reported will be treated confidentially.
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