Twenty-nine suspected illegal miners have been arrested. Image: SAPS
SANDF
1Min
South Africa
29 illegal miners arrested during operation prosper in West Rand
A joint operation targeting illegal mining in Gauteng led to the arrest of 29 suspected illegal miners, while one suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
Twenty-nine suspected illegal miners have been arrested during an intelligence-driven Operation Prosper at Kloof Mine Plant in the West Rand.
The operation was conducted on 3 August 2026 by the SANDF’s Solomon Mahlangu Regiment, operating under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, together with the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and Public Order Police.
During the operation, law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with the suspected illegal miners. One suspect was shot and killed.
Three AK-47 rifles and an Uzi semi-automatic rifle were also seized during the operation.
The SANDF and SAPS say joint operations targeting illegal mining and other criminal activities will continue across Gauteng.
