KIMBERLEY - The Northern Cape's Operation Vala Umgodi, overseen by Lieutenant Colonel Boitumelo Seleke, conducted a series of raids across the ZF Mgcawu District on Friday, 12 April 2024, targeting illegal mining and related criminal activities. Actions were concentrated in Postmasburg and surrounding areas, including Boichoko, Newton, and Marantheng, where drugs and illegal firearms were seized.

According to South African Police Service, a 48-year-old man was arrested for possession of Mandrax tablets and dagga in Postmasburg, alongside several confiscated cellphones. In Marantheng, three individuals were detained after police discovered seven firearms, including Taurus and Rossi revolvers, without proper documentation. The suspects, two men aged 29 and 38 and a 45-year-old woman, are charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and are due in court soon.