Forty-three suspected illegal miners, all believed to be undocumented foreign nationals, were arrested during a joint South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) operation targeting illegal mining activities in Westonaria, Gauteng.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, during Operation Prosper, an ongoing integrated law enforcement initiative aimed at combating illegal mining across the province.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the suspects were charged with illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act. One of the arrested individuals was also found in possession of live ammunition.
Police seized a range of equipment allegedly used in illegal mining operations, including four stamping pots, two gas bottles, two chisels, 50 stone crushers, a green jackhammer, a wheelbarrow, three soil dishes, five 20-litre buckets and a motor.
“Operation Prosper which is integrated between SAPS and SANDF continue to make strides in dealing with illegal mining activities,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Police said the operation forms part of broader efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks that continue to pose safety, environmental and criminal threats in several parts of Gauteng.
SAPS also called on residents to assist authorities in the fight against crime.
“The communities of Gauteng province are urged to keep on working together with the police in the fight against crime by reporting any criminal activities to their nearest police station” Nevhuhulwi said.
Authorities have intensified operations against illegal mining in Gauteng as law enforcement agencies seek to curb criminal activities linked to the illicit extraction of minerals.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
