ALEXANDER BAY — Law enforcement authorities are escalating their efforts to combat Alexander Bay illegal mining operations following the apprehension of two individuals suspected of unauthorized diamond prospecting. The recent arrests highlight a broader, intensified campaign by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to protect the region’s mineral resources from illicit exploitation and environmental degradation.
The operation took place late on Friday, 25 September 2026, at approximately 22:45 in the Beesbank area of Alexander Bay. Acting on intelligence regarding illicit activities, local police units swiftly moved to the location and detained two 42-year-old suspects at the scene.
During a subsequent search of the area, officers confiscated multiple bags containing suspected diamond-bearing gravel, alongside various digging implements believed to be used in the unauthorized extraction process. The suspects have been formally charged with trespassing and violating the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002), which strictly prohibits illegal prospecting and mining without state authorization.
Both men are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2026.
Brigadier Schalk Andrews, the District Commissioner of Namakwa, praised the Alexander Bay SAPS members for their vigilance and rapid deployment in executing the operation. Highlighting the broader implications of the arrest, Brigadier Andrews issued a stern warning to prospective illicit miners.
“Alexander Bay SAPS will not tolerate any form of illegal mining,” Brigadier Andrews stated, emphasizing that such unregulated operations severely undermine the local economy and cause irreversible damage to the fragile coastal environment.
The crackdown in the Namakwa district reflects a growing regional priority to curb the ecological and economic losses associated with unregulated extraction activities. By strictly enforcing the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, authorities aim to preserve the area’s natural heritage while ensuring that mineral resources are managed legally and sustainably for the benefit of the national economy.