Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), in conjunction with Sibanye Stillwater Protection Services, arrested five suspects on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities within the Bekkersdal policing area.
According to police reports, security officers at Sibanye Stillwater alerted authorities to suspected illegal mining operations at the site. Upon arrival at Cooke 4 Ezulwini mine in Bekkersdal, officers found five African males in possession of two AK-47 rifles and 41 live rounds of ammunition.
The suspects, identified as Lesotho nationals, are between the ages of 18 and 46. They were taken into custody at Bekkersdal police station and face charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as being undocumented illegal immigrants.
The five suspects are expected to appear in court in due course.
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