A joint operation by various law enforcement authorities has led to the arrest of 121 suspected illegal miners and the recovery of five firearms in Mphahla village, Fochville, on the West Rand.
The operation, dubbed Operation Prosper/Karabo, involved various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs, and Sibanye-Stillwater’s tactical security team.
“The operation commenced at 03:00, with SANDF members cordoning off the operational area before police and the mine’s tactical security team moved in to operate.
“Five firearms, including three pistols, one AK-47 rifle and a self-made pistol, together with ammunition, were recovered during the operation, as well as illegal mining equipment such as phendukas, gas bottles and gold-bearing material,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
She emphasised that Operation Prosper would continue targeting illegal mining activities and associated criminality in Gauteng.
