11 suspected illegal miners arrested

The police have arrested 11 suspected illegal miners at Ysterpet in the Noordoewer area in the //Kharas region.

//Kharas regional crime investigations coordinator Nicodemus Mbango says the suspects were in possession of precious stones and equipment believed to have been used for mining without a permit from the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Mbango says the suspects were charged with dealing illegally in precious stones under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Minerals Act.

“It is further alleged that the suspects acted in common to commit this crime by acquiring, possessing or using the proceeds of unlawful activities. Twenty-three bags containing blue lace agate stones were confiscated, and four motor vehicles believed to have been used were seized and booked in as exhibits,” he says.

The value of the blue lace agate stones recovered is estimated at N$174 400.

The 11 suspects appeared in the Karasburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, and their case was postponed to 6 July for further investigations.

The suspects remain in custody.

They are Pelican Isaacks (32), David Kaura (37), Stephan Meintjies (35), Riaan Oren (27), Richard van Rensburg (41), Benedictus Khakisi (51), Tobias Mashuna (30), Joseph Uudhila (35), David Mashuna (49), Elias Ingo (32) and Jeremia Amukwa (49).

The suspects are all Namibian citizens.

Mbango says the arrest came about after the police conducted operations in the Ysterpet area.

“I remember during April we went and visited the site, and we warned those who are doing illegal production, but it seems the people did not hear us and proceeded with illegal mining.

“Therefore we conducted the operations and the arrest followed,” Mbango says.