Twelve individuals were taken into custody on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, following a multi-unit law enforcement operation targeting illegal mining and related criminal activity on a farm near Vryheid.
The operation, led by Provincial Crime Intelligence in collaboration with the Vryheid K9 Unit and the Vryheid Crime Prevention Unit, intercepted suspects while they were processing gold-bearing ore. Authorities confirmed the arrests relate to charges of unlawful possession of explosives, illegal mining (#illegalmining), and violations of the Immigration Act.
A comprehensive inventory of items was seized at the scene. Recovered exhibits include:
**Explosives and Firearms:**
– 32 blasting cartridges
– 5 detonators
– Orange detonating cord
– Two 9mm Canik pistols
– 44 live 9mm ammunition rounds
**Mining and Processing Equipment:**
– Metal Phenduka (used in illicit gold purification)
– 2 generators
– 2 jackhammers
– 3 bowsaws
– 6 four-pound hammers
– Large metal drill bits
– Spades, picks, and ropes
The twelve suspects remain in police custody and are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 29 May 2026.
The successful operation highlights continued inter-departmental cooperation aimed at disrupting illegal mining syndicates, curbing the unlawful trade in explosives, and enforcing immigration compliance in rural and high-risk mining areas.
