121 suspected illegal miners arrested in Mphahla village during pre-dawn Operation Prosper raid

Authorities arrested 121 suspected illegal miners in Mphahla village, near Fochville, during a pre-dawn operation on 29 September 2026, part of an intensified campaign against illegal mining in Gauteng.

Coordinated raid involving multiple agencies

The operation, carried out under Operation Prosper/Karabo, began at 3am. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng were supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Home Affairs immigration officers and Sibanye-Stillwater’s tactical security team.

Weapons and equipment seized

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the operation recovered five firearms three pistols, one AK-47 rifle and a self-made pistol along with ammunition. Illegal mining equipment and material seized included phendukas, gas bottles and gold-bearing material.

Investigations and next steps

Investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing. Authorities said the suspects will be processed and charged as appropriate.

Related action earlier in September

The report notes a related operation on 7 September 2026 in Mohlakeng in which 30 suspects were arrested. Items seized in that operation included 44 generators, phendukas and explosives. Those suspects appeared in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court as investigations continued.

“Operation Prosper continues to target illegal mining activities and associated criminality in Gauteng,”

The arrests in Mphahla village mark one of the larger crackdowns in recent months and form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt zama-zama syndicates and associated criminal activity.