NW illegal mining: 22 arrested while packaging food supplies
North West police intercepted the packaging of food stock allegedly intended to supply illegal miners in the Vaal Reef area.
Twenty-two (22) suspects, believed to be illegal immigrants, were arrested on a farm between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp on Friday.
“The success was achieved following the monitoring of the activities that took place at a farm situated between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp,” said North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone.
“The suspects were allegedly found packing and wrapping different food items seemingly destined for distribution to illegal miners at various shafts in and around Vaal Reefs.”
The area is plagued by illegal mining and related crimes, including deadly violence between rival gangs.
#sapsNW Police arrested 22 undocumented foreign nationals at a farm situated between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp. Members also seized a large quantity of food items destined for illegal miners at various shafts in and around Vaal Reefs. Two unlicensed firearms were also found… pic.twitter.com/3qK0lNymIY
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 30, 2025
Mokgwabone says the suspects were also found with weapons.
“The police seized two unlicensed firearms during the arrest.”
“All the suspects are expected to appear in the Ventersdorp Magistrates' Court on Monday, 02 June 2025, on various charges including contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.”
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