Police in the Northern Cape have arrested five undocumented immigrants allegedly found in possession of unpolished diamonds on the R355 en route to Port Nolloth, in the Namakwa District. Police arrested the suspects after intercepting their bakkie, which was allegedly transporting illegal miners from Nuttabooi. Provincial police spokesperson Timothy Sam says, “Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered unpolished diamonds and undocumented immigrants. The suspects were detained and face charges of possession of unpolished diamonds and contravention of immigration laws. Operation Vala Umgodi remains a strategic intervention targeting illegal mining across the Northern Cape.” #sapsNC Ongoing focused #IllegalMining operations under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi have secured arrest of five suspects and the seizure of uncut diamonds in the Namakwa District on 21/04. NPhttps://t.co/T1Cpip6ujX pic.twitter.com/gWZRMRDgks — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 21, 2025 The South African Police Service has called on members of the public to support ongoing efforts to combat crime by reporting any suspicious or criminal activity via the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App. Illegal mining costing SA billions Meanwhile, illegal mining costs the industry an estimated R20 billion a year. South Africa has more than 6 000 abandoned mines, which have become a haven for illegal mining. Illegal mining is often linked to organised crime syndicates. A study conducted by Bench Marks Foundation found that legitimate mining companies purchase minerals and use them in the formal economy. VIDEO | Illegal mining costs industry R20 billion a year