The South African Police Service in Gauteng, together with the South African National Defence Force, has arrested 30 suspects during an Operation Prosper conducted in Mohlakeng on the West Rand.
The operation, carried out on Monday, 7 September, targeted illegal mining and related criminal activities. The suspects, aged between 25 and 43, are reportedly from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and South Africa.
Police say the suspects were arrested for various offences, including illegal mining, possession of illegal mining equipment and contravention of the Immigration Act.
During the operation, authorities recovered a large quantity of equipment allegedly linked to illegal mining, including 44 generators, pendukas, jackhammers, spades, stamps, stamp pots, drill bits and water pumps. Detonating cords and explosives were also recovered.
In a separate operation on Sunday, 6 September, the team recovered 21 abandoned generators and eight jackhammers in Mohlakeng. The equipment is believed to be linked to illegal mining activities in the area.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
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