A joint operation targeting illegal mining activities on Gauteng’s West Rand has resulted in the arrest of 121 suspects and the seizure of explosives, mining equipment, vehicles, cash and ammunition.
The intelligence-driven operation, dubbed *Operation PROSPER*, was conducted on 10 July 2026 at Bhundu Inn in Mohlakeng by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to the SANDF, soldiers from the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment’s Alpha, Bravo and Charlie companies, operating under the Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, worked alongside SAPS in a coordinated effort aimed at disrupting illegal mining and associated criminal activities.
The operation was led by SAPS Counter Intelligence in collaboration with SANDF Defence Intelligence and was supported by battlefield surveillance capabilities.
Authorities seized a range of items allegedly linked to illegal mining operations, including generators, jackhammers, water pumps, spades, stampers, chisels, axes, steel balls, a wheelbarrow, cash, alcohol, firearm magazines, a 9mm live round of ammunition, cellular phones, power banks, propane tanks and explosives.
The explosives recovered included connector-capped fuses, detonating cord and Superpower 90 blasting cartridges. Two vehicles, a Honda CR-V and a Volkswagen Polo — were also confiscated.
A total of 121 suspects were arrested on charges relating to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and contraventions of the Immigration Act.
The arrested individuals include 18 Lesotho nationals, 37 Zimbabwean nationals, 28 Mozambican nationals, 33 Malawian nationals and seven South African citizens.
The SANDF described the operation as a significant step in ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining in the province.
“This was an intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service Counter Intelligence in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force Defence Intelligence and supported by Battlefield Surveillance, to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities.”
The military further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in tackling organised crime and safeguarding communities.
“The South African National Defence Force is committed in supporting the South African Police Services to restore the dignity of our country, by combating criminality in our communities.”
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
