Cape Town – Forty-three suspected illegal miners, all believed to be undocumented foreign nationals, were arrested during a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) targeting illegal mining activities in Westonaria, Gauteng.
The arrests took place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, during Operation Prosper, an ongoing integrated law enforcement initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining across the province.
According to IOL, Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the suspects were charged with illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. One of the individuals arrested was also found in possession of live ammunition.
Authorities also confiscated a range of equipment allegedly used in illegal mining activities, 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, continues 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, which continue to pose serious safety, environmental and criminal risks in several parts of Gauteng.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations in recent months as part of efforts to curb illicit mineral extraction and related criminal activity.
SAPS has also urged communities to assist police by reporting illegal activities.
“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.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
