92 arrested at Krugersdorp mine shaft as police seize guns, explosives and phendukas
Operation Prosper/Karabo cordoned off West Village before police and Home Affairs officials moved in during a targeted enforcement operation that also recovered two firearms and ammunition.
Police arrested 92 suspected illegal miners at West Village in Krugersdorp on Monday morning, 19 October 2026, and seized illegal mining equipment, explosives, two firearms and ammunition.
The South African Police Service said the operation began that morning, with South African National Defence Force members cordoning off the area before police and Department of Home Affairs officials moved in to conduct what the service described as targeted enforcement operations.
The equipment seized included phendukas, gas cylinders and explosives, according to the police statement. Two firearms and ammunition were also recovered.
The arrests form part of Operation Prosper/Karabo, which SAPS describes as an ongoing multidisciplinary intervention aimed at combating illegal mining, gangsterism and related criminal activities across Gauteng.
The statement, issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Gauteng, gives no further detail on the suspects, on any charges brought, or on where those arrested are being held. It does not say what the explosives and firearms were intended for. Enquiries are directed to Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
The full statement is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71961.
