Police's Sibiya says illegal mining won't be tolerated after Orkney arrests
Acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, praised the teams on the ground, saying Operation Vala Umgodi won’t back down until illegal mining was stamped out entirely.
An additional 340 illegal miners have resurfaced in Orkney, North West. Picture credit: X/ @AthlendaM
JOHANNESBURG - Pressure is mounting on illegal miners in Orkney, in the North West, as the SAPS and SANDF-led Vala Umgodi task teams intensify their crackdown.
On Saturday, an additional 340 illegal miners surfaced, bringing the total to 565 as of midday.
The operation, which includes blocking food and water routes to the miners trapped underground, is forcing them out due to starvation and dehydration.
On Saturday, 225 illegal miners resurfaced, unable to survive the conditions.
[VALA UMGODI] An additional 340 illegal miners have resurfaced in Orkney, North West. This brings the total number that has been arrested to 565 as of midday on Sunday, 03 November 2024. Operations are ongoing by SAPS&SANDF to block routes used to provide water& food. Ongoing ops pic.twitter.com/d4gCZtQx1X
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) November 3, 2024
Acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, praised the teams on the ground, saying Operation Vala Umgodi won’t back down until illegal mining was stamped out entirely.
Since December, the operation has made over 13,000 arrests across seven provinces, seizing R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million.
With South Africans, Mozambicans, and Basotho nationals among those detained, more are expected to emerge as the SAPS continues to exert pressure.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said: "From last night, an additional 340 illegal miners have resurfaced and have been placed under arrest. As of 12:00 (midday) on Sunday, 03 November 2024, at least 565 illegal miners workers have resurfaced."
She added that the acting national police commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has commended the teams on the ground and encouraged them not to back down and ensure that the rule of law was restored.