More than 70 people were arrested during a multi-agency law-enforcement deployment in Gauteng on Tuesday, authorities said, as officers seized unlicensed firearms, explosives, mining equipment and suspected gold-bearing material.
Joint operation targets illegal mining
The arrests were carried out by Operation Prosper/Karabo, a joint, multidisciplinary security initiative that brings together the South African Police Service and the SA National Defence Force to tackle illegal mining and related criminal activity. Police said officers remained at the scenes across the province processing information and gathering evidence.
Acting Gauteng police commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana was expected to provide further details at a media briefing later on Tuesday, according to police reports.
Previous clampdowns in West Rand and Mohlakeng
The recent arrests follow a week-long enforcement campaign in mid-September that led to the arrest of 39 suspects and the seizure of explosives, mining equipment and items believed to contain gold. That operation focused on the Mohlakeng policing precinct and the Randfontein central business district.
Police spokespeople said the earlier sweep produced a substantial haul of explosive materials and tools commonly used in illicit mining. The range of alleged offences accompanying the arrests included possession of explosives, possession of suspected gold-bearing material, possession of illegal mining equipment, immigration offences and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Items seized
Officers said they confiscated a mix of explosive devices, mining implements and suspected precious-metal material. The documented seizures during the earlier deployment included:
- Explosives and components: 17 explosives and 12 blasting cartridges, together with detonating cord and connector-capped fuses.
- Mining equipment: generators, jackhammers, chisels, stampers, gold-refining equipment, water pumps, drill bits, spades, hammers, hacksaws and drills.
- Suspected mineral material: suspected gold-bearing material intercepted during arrests and vehicle stops.
| Item type | Reported quantity (where given) |
|---|---|
| Explosives | 17 |
| Blasting cartridges | 12 |
| Other mining equipment | Multiple generators, jackhammers and assorted tools |
| Suspected gold-bearing material | Seized (quantity not specified) |
Local impact and safety concerns
Illegal mining has been linked to a range of public-safety risks in Gauteng: unstable shafts and tunnels, the presence of explosives, environmental damage and violent crime linked to control of informal mining operations. Law-enforcement agencies say coordinated deployments aim to reduce those risks and to dismantle organised criminal networks profiting from illicit extraction.
Community members and business owners in affected areas have repeatedly raised concerns about explosions, noise and the theft of infrastructure. Police reports from recent operations say officers intercepted several people allegedly transporting suspected gold-bearing material during raids in and around Mohlakeng and Randfontein.
What happens next
Police said they were still processing suspects and evidence at the time of the update. The acting provincial commissioner is due to outline next steps, including details of charges and planned court appearances. Where explosives or dangerous devices have been found, specialist units will be involved to ensure safe disposal and forensic examination.
Residents seeking to report illegal mining activity or tip-offs about explosives and weapons can contact their nearest police station or use Crime Stop numbers supplied by the SAPS. Investigations into whether seized material contains recoverable precious metals will follow established forensic and investigative procedures.
As Gauteng authorities continue targeted operations, the balance between breaking criminal supply chains and protecting local communities remains central to policing strategy in mining hotspots across the province.
