The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, together with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intensified integrated operations to disrupt illegal mining and associated criminal activities across the province. As part of Operation Prosper, officers conducted operations in and around Mohlakeng and the Randfontein Central Business District (CBD) between September 14 and 20, 2026. The operations targeted various crimes, including illegal mining activities and the possession and transportation of suspected gold-bearing material.
A total of 39 suspects were arrested for various offences, including possession of explosives, possession and transportation of suspected gold-bearing material, possession of illegal mining equipment, contravention of the Immigration Act, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The arrests were made in the Mohlakeng policing precinct, where police arrested suspects for possession of explosives. The explosives and related items were secured for further investigation and forensic processing.
Police also seized a range of equipment believed to be linked to illegal mining activities, including generators, jackhammers, chisels, stampers, phendukas, water pumps, drill bits, spades, hammers, hacksaws, drills, and gold-bearing material. The seizures were made during an integrated deployment in and around Mohlakeng and the Randfontein CBD, where police intercepted several suspects allegedly transporting suspected gold-bearing material.
Illegal mining poses significant risks to communities, the environment, and public safety. The Gauteng SAPS has expressed its commitment to working with law enforcement partners and relevant stakeholders to identify, disrupt, and dismantle illegal mining operations across the province. The operations aim to curb the illicit activities that have been plaguing the region.
Members of the public are urged to report suspicious activities, illegal mining, and the possession or transportation of suspected illicit goods to the police. The Gauteng SAPS is counting on community cooperation to help combat the scourge of illegal mining. By working together, the authorities hope to make significant inroads into curbing the problem.
The operations were conducted under the auspices of Operation Prosper, a multi-agency initiative aimed at tackling various crimes, including illegal mining. The collaboration between SAPS and SANDF has been instrumental in disrupting the activities of illegal miners and their associated networks.
The Gauteng SAPS will continue to work tirelessly to combat illegal mining and related crimes. The authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of communities across the province. Key efforts will focus on sustaining the momentum of Operation Prosper and exploring new strategies to counter the evolving threats posed by illegal mining.
Key points
- 39 suspects were arrested in Operation Prosper for various offences related to illegal mining.
- The operations targeted illegal mining activities, possession and transportation of suspected gold-bearing material, and related crimes.
- The Gauteng SAPS urges the public to report suspicious activities and cooperate in the fight against illegal mining.
