The NPA and SAPS will address the illegal mining activities in the Kleinzee area during an information-sharing session on Tuesday (12/3) at the Kleinzee Community Hall.

Another briefing will be held at the Kleinzee Police Station. This will be followed by a walkabout at the Kleinzee SAP13 and a police-led operation in the town of Kleinzee's illegal mining areas.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the SAPS led a campaign to tackle illegal mining and during these operations, large quantities of mining tools and money amounting to more than a million were confiscated.

“The Northern Cape Justice Cluster role players have been hard at work in a relentless fight to eradicate the scourge of illegal mining that is currently advancing in the Namaqua, particularly in the former diamond mining towns of Kleinzee and Port Nolloth,” said NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.

“During these operations, 114 generators, 59 jackhammers, 27 shovels, 32 hammers, and loose drilling bits were seized in Springbok.”

Orders have been obtained by the NPA and AFU for the tools found in Springbok.

A preservation order is being drawn up by the AFU after 110 generators and 120 jackhammers were seized and are kept safe at the Kleinzee SAP13. 

In Port Nolloth, 40 generators and 100 jackhammers are awaiting the finalisation of the preservation order by AFU.

“These tools are all alleged to be utilised for illegal mining activities within the area,” said Senokoatsane.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg