GAUTENG – Three firearms, 31 rounds of ammunition, 60 gold-processing machines known as phendukas and explosives were seized, while 63 undocumented people were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation targeting illicit mining in West Village, Mogale City, near Krugersdorp, in the early hours of Monday, 19 October.

The operation was conducted by Alpha and Bravo Companies of the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment, deployed under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), as part of Operation Prosper.

The operation was conducted by Alpha and Bravo Companies of the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment, deployed under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the 63 people arrested included 29 Mozambican nationals, 23 Zimbabwean nationals, eight Lesotho nationals and one Malawian national.

Firearms and illegal mining equipment seized

The operation also resulted in the recovery of three firearms and ammunition.

These included a 9 mm CZ 85 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition and two Norinco pistols with a combined total of 16 rounds of ammunition.

Security forces also confiscated equipment believed to be associated with illegal mining activities.

The items seized included 60 phendukas (equipment used to process gold-bearing material), gas cylinders, 40 round steel balls, two shovels, water-gel explosives and Cordtex explosive detonators.

SANDF steps up efforts against illegal mining

The SANDF said it remained committed to supporting the SAPS in efforts to combat criminality and illicit mining activities.

The joint operations aim to disrupt illegal mining operations and help safeguard communities affected by associated criminal activities.

The SANDF did not provide further details about the next steps in the investigation or the legal status of those arrested.

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