Maseru, June 19 — The multi-disciplinary team executing Operation Vala Umgodi in Kleinsee in the Namakwa District Kimberley arrested a 21 year-old Mosotho man for alleged possession of uncut diamonds in Kleinsee on Tuesday, June 18.
This is according to a media statement from South African Police Service (SAPS).
It states that the team was conducting routine inspections at a vehicle checkpoint near Kleinsee, were they stopped and searched the suspect and found suspected uncut diamonds in his possession.
The statement adds that he could not provide a reasonable explanation for the possession of the suspected diamonds and could also not provide the immigration officials with documentation of being legally in the country.
Therefore it indicates that the suspect was subsequently arrested and will appear in Court soon.
Operation Vala Umgodi will strengthen its efforts to eradicate illicit mining and the proliferation of undocumented persons in the Northern Cape.
Meanwhile reports have indicated that between two and five Basotho are arrested every week in South Africa for different crimes including illicit mining, illegal stay, murder and possession of illegal firearms and diamonds to mention a few.
