Gauteng police arrest 39 suspects and seize explosives in illegal mining sweep
Operation Prosper/Karabo ran in Mohlakeng and the Randfontein CBD from 14 to 20 September 2026, netting explosives, mining equipment and suspected gold-bearing material.
Gauteng police arrested 39 suspects and seized explosives, mining equipment and suspected gold-bearing material during a week-long operation in Mohlakeng and the Randfontein Central Business District.
The South African Police Service said in a statement that its Gauteng members, working with the South African National Defence Force, conducted the operations between 14 and 20 September 2026 as part of Operation Prosper/Karabo. The operation targeted illegal mining activities, the possession and transportation of suspected gold-bearing material, illegal mining equipment, explosives and contraventions of the Immigration Act.
The 39 suspects were arrested for various offences, including possession of explosives, possession and transportation of suspected gold-bearing material, possession of illegal mining equipment, contravention of the Immigration Act and driving under the influence of alcohol.
In the Mohlakeng policing precinct, police arrested suspects for possession of explosives. The items seized were 17 explosives, 12 blasting cartridges, detonating cord, connector capped fuses, one copper connector fuse and six stock tube assemblies. The explosives and related items were secured for further investigation and forensic processing.
Police also seized a range of equipment believed to be linked to illegal mining activities, including generators, jackhammers, chisels, stampers, phendukas, water pumps, drill bits, spades, hammers, hacksaws, drills and gold-bearing material.
During an integrated deployment in and around Mohlakeng and the Randfontein CBD, police intercepted several suspects allegedly transporting suspected gold-bearing material.
SAPS Gauteng said illegal mining poses significant risks to communities, the environment and public safety. It said it would continue working with law enforcement partners and relevant stakeholders to identify, disrupt and dismantle illegal mining operations across the province.
Members of the public are urged to report suspicious activities, illegal mining and the possession or transportation of suspected illicit goods to the police.
The statement was issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Gauteng. Enquiries can be directed to Captain Tintswalo Sibeko on 082 947 8770.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Gauteng arrests suspects and seizes illegal mining equipment during Operation Prosper/Karabo
