Illegal miners caught with unpolished diamonds to appear in court

1857 suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes during the Vala Umgodi sting operations.

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Two illegal miners who were arrested in the Northern Cape for being in possession of unpolished diamonds are expected to appear in court soon.

They were arrested on Tuesday at Port Nolloth during Operation Vala Umgodi.

Police spokesperson Timothy Sam says the arrests were made following a tip-off about a bakkie transporting illegal miners in possession of diamonds.

“The team, operating from the Kleinsee Operational Centre (VOC), acted on reliable information received from members of the public regarding a white Ford bakkie reportedly transporting illegal miners in possession of diamonds from Nuttabooi to Port Nolloth. Acting swiftly, the team intercepted the vehicle matching the given description as it approached Port Nolloth. Upon conducting a search, they discovered a significant quantity of unpolished diamonds, resulting in the immediate arrest of the two suspects.”

#sapsHQ [VALA UMGODI OPERATIONS: APRIL] 1857 suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of counterfeit goods.

More than 100 unpolished diamonds, which… pic.twitter.com/oM15T456Tu

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 13, 2025