121 arrested and explosives seized in Gauteng West Rand illegal mining raid

A joint operation in Gauteng’s West Rand has resulted in the arrest of 121 suspects and the seizure of explosives, mining equipment, vehicles, cash and ammunition. The intelligence-driven operation, called Operation PROSPER, took place on 10 July 2026 at Bhundu Inn in Mohlakeng.

Who carried out the operation

The operation was conducted by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Soldiers from the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment’s Alpha, Bravo and Charlie companies, operating under the Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, worked alongside SAPS in the coordinated effort.

The operation was led by SAPS Counter Intelligence in collaboration with SANDF Defence Intelligence and was supported by battlefield surveillance capabilities.

What was seized

Authorities recovered a range of items allegedly linked to illegal mining activities. Seized goods included:

• generators
• jackhammers
• water pumps
• spades, stampers, chisels and axes
• steel balls and a wheelbarrow
• cash and alcohol
• firearm magazines and a 9mm live round of ammunition
• cellular phones and power banks
• propane tanks and explosives (connector-capped fuses, detonating cord and Superpower 90 blasting cartridges)
• two vehicles: a Honda CR-V and a Volkswagen Polo

Arrests and charges

A total of 121 suspects were arrested on charges relating to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and contraventions of the Immigration Act.

The arrested individuals included:

• 18 Lesotho nationals
• 37 Zimbabwean nationals
• 28 Mozambican nationals
• 33 Malawian nationals
• 7 South African citizens

Official statements and next steps

The SANDF described the operation as a significant step in ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining in the province.

“This was an intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service Counter Intelligence in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force Defence Intelligence and supported by Battlefield Surveillance, to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities.”

The military also reaffirmed its support for law enforcement in addressing organised crime and protecting communities, stating:

“The South African National Defence Force is committed in supporting the South African Police Services to restore the dignity of our country, by combating criminality in our communities.”

Summary

Operation PROSPER on 10 July 2026 in Mohlakeng led to the arrest of 121 people and the seizure of equipment, explosives, vehicles and cash. The operation was intelligence-driven and conducted jointly by SANDF and SAPS with support from battlefield surveillance.