Twenty-two foreign nationals who appeared before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court in the North West, have been remanded in custody awaiting legal representation.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, after police monitored activities that took place at a farm situated between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp.

The accused were allegedly found packing and wrapping different food items, seemingly destined for distribution to illegal miners at various shafts in and around Vaal Reefs near Orkney.

Twenty-one of the suspects are from Lesotho, while one is from Malawi.

They are facing charges of the contravention of the immigration act, and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

“Following the arrest of 22 undocumented foreign nationals and processing of the crime scene, various food items commonly used by illegal miners were quantified. They include 11 430 packets of 1kg instant porridge, 6 599 tins of baked beans, 3 510 canned beef, 2 700 cans of fish, amongst others. Police say the estimated market value of the seized items is approximately R770 000. The accused will re-appear in court on Thursday for formal bail application,” says provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.

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#sapsNW Police arrested 22 undocumented foreign nationals at a farm situated between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp. Members also seized a large quantity of food items destined for illegal miners at various shafts in and around Vaal Reefs. Two unlicensed firearms were also found… pic.twitter.com/3qK0lNymIY

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 30, 2025