Illegal mining in the Namakwa district has been dealt a significant blow following the arrest of 300 illegal miners this week.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien says a joint operation was executed earlier this week in the Nuttabooi mining area where they found 300 illegal miners were found digging at the identified site.
He says police confiscated numerous mining equipment and implements as well as five vehicles, 130 generators, 121 jackhammers, spades, chisels, drilling machines and grinders.
The value of the seized goods is about R3.5 million.
Colonel Gamieldien says police also found one firearm and drugs.
He says police proceeded to raid the Bontekoei informal settlement where they arrested 95 undocumented persons, 14 illegal miners and one person who was found in with drugs in his possession.
The suspects will appear in the Springbok Magistrates Court next week.
