
1 857 arrested in illegal mining crackdown
Vala Umgodi Operations led to three arrests of 1 857 suspects of different nationalities in April.
The 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, including suspected diamond stones, were seized during the three separate Vala Umgodi operations.
Other items seized include 27 unlicensed firearms, 385 rounds of ammunition, 71 vehicles (sedans, bakkies, trucks, mining machines, trailers, and tractors), 341 phendukas, and six phenduka stands.
On April 21, an intelligence-driven operation in Primrose and Rietvlei resulted in the arrest of 10 illegal miners.
A joint operation at Marathon/ Rasta informal settlement in Primrose led to the arrest of eight individuals who were found in possession of various equipment, including phendukas, steel balls, gas cylinders, and generators. Two of these suspects were also found in possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Greenspark rallies for Youth Day anti-drug awareness walk
In a proactive effort to tackle the escalating problem of drug abuse among local youth, the community of Greenspark is coming together on Youth Day for a special anti-drug awareness event. Organised by local community leader Glen Fourie, the initiative aims to highlight the dangers of substance abuse and encourage healthier lifestyles for young people. Fourie says drug use has become a serious issue in Greenspark, often driving up local crime as addicts turn to theft to support their habits. 'This is about giving our youth hope and alternatives,' said Fourie. Awareness walk and youth activities planned The event will begin with an anti-drug awareness walk at 09:00 from Greenspark Primary School, proceeding to Greenspark Stadium. There, participants will be welcomed with a range of fun games and youth-focused activities designed to promote positivity and healthy choices. Organisers hope the event will serve as a platform to educate, inspire, and empower the youth of Greenspark to resist peer pressure and the lure of substance abuse. Community support and participation encouraged Residents, parents, and youth organisations are encouraged to join the walk and show support for a drug-free community. The event also aims to strengthen community bonds and reinforce the message that young people are not alone in their struggles. For more information, contact Glen Fourie at 073 533 2241. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
SUV owner hijacked and kidnapped in Doornfontein
On June 2 at approximately 14:20, a 26-year-old man and his friend were hijacked and kidnapped while sitting in a silver-grey Toyota RAV4 at the Doornfontein taxi rank. Four armed suspects approached them, forced them to lie down at gunpoint, and drove off with the vehicle. The victims were later transferred into a grey Suzuki by the suspects, who then drove them to an open veld. There, the assailants assaulted the men, demanded money, and stole their cellphones. Two of the suspects remained to guard the victims while the others left. The victims managed to escape after one suspect stepped away to make a call and the other walked off to relieve himself. They discovered they were near East Driefontein and were able to find help from a passer-by before reporting the incident to the police. Police investigations are ongoing. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Watch: Bakkie catches fire in Empangeni
Less than a minute Mbuso Kunene Less than a minute A delivery man was lucky to escape unharmed when his bakkie caught fire on the R102 near Canfields in Empangeni on Wednesday afternoon. ALSO READ: Former DA councillor sentenced to life for murdering family in Bethany fire According to reports, the fire started at the back of the vehicle, allegedly from a battery. City of uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue attended the scene and extinguished the flames. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!