GAUTENG – A major joint enforcement action, Operation Prosper, has resulted in the arrest of 30 suspects and the recovery of extensive illegal mining equipment in Mohlakeng. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, working in direct collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), executed the targeted operation in the West Rand District on Monday, 07 September 2026, to disrupt and dismantle illicit mining networks.
According to SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the apprehended individuals range in age from 25 to 43 and include nationals from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, and South Africa. The suspects face multiple charges, including illegal mining, unlawful possession of illegal mining equipment, and contraventions of the Immigration Act.
During the Monday operation, authorities successfully recovered a significant cache of illicit mining apparatus. The seized items included 44 generators, pendukas, jackhammers, spades, stamps, stamp pots, drill bits, water pumps, detonating cords, and explosives.
This enforcement action follows a separate, related incident on Sunday, 06 September 2026, wherein the joint task team recovered 21 abandoned generators and eight jackhammers in the same Mohlakeng area. Investigators believe this previously abandoned equipment is directly linked to ongoing illegal mining activities in the district.
Operation Prosper remains heavily focused on disrupting and dismantling illegal mining syndicates across the province. The 30 arrested suspects are scheduled to appear before the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court in the near future to face their respective charges.
