South African police arrest over 18,000 illegal miners in major crackdown since Dec 2023.

South African police have arrested over 18,000 people, mostly illegal miners, since launching Operation Vala Umgodi in December 2023. Over 1,700 illegal miners were captured in Stilfontein alone since August 2024, with 121 deportations. The operation also seized firearms, vehicles, and R37 million worth of cash and diamonds. Police are investigating four officers for their involvement in a kingpin's escape.

2 months ago
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