BEKKERSDAL — Seven suspects were arrested for illegal mining and immigration offences during an integrated law enforcement operation in the Bekkersdal policing area on Thursday, 18 June 2026.
The raid was conducted under “Operation Prosper,” an ongoing multidisciplinary initiative designed to intensify efforts against illegal mining and the presence of illegal immigrants at identified hotspot areas across the province.
The operation in the West Rand District involved a joint task team comprising members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the West Rand Public Order Policing (POP) unit, and Visible Policing.
During the operation, authorities seized several items linked to illegal mining activities. The confiscated evidence includes:
– 4 hammers
– 2 spades
– 1 pick
– 1 phenduka
– 1 steel chain
– 2 bags containing gold-bearing material
The seven suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face charges relating to illegal mining and the contravention of immigration laws.