More than 200 appear in court after Losberg Kloof illegal mining raid

More than 200 suspects arrested in a large law-enforcement operation at the Losberg Kloof Mine appeared at the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2026, facing a range of charges including contraventions of the Immigration Act and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Mass arrests after multidisciplinary operation

The arrests followed a large-scale, multidisciplinary operation at the Losberg Kloof Mine on 7 July 2026, conducted under Operation Prosper. The operation led to the detention of 217 suspected illegal miners and the recovery of equipment alleged to have been used in illegal mining, as well as food and alcohol.

Nationalities and seizures

The detained included foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho, alongside South African citizens. Police also seized 65 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

Charges, dockets and court scheduling

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the accused face charges that include contravention of the Immigration Act and unlawful possession of ammunition. “A total of 118 dockets were enrolled, with some involving multiple accused,” Mohlatlole said. She added that the prosecution declined to enrol some matters after considering the available evidence, and that the remaining cases proceeded before the court.

Mohlatlole said the matters were postponed to various dates from 10 July 2026 and into the following week for further investigation and court proceedings. “The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to working closely with its law enforcement partners to ensure that those involved in illegal mining and related criminal activities are held accountable through the criminal justice system.”

Operation Prosper

Operation Prosper is a multi-agency security initiative authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa that targets illegal mining activities and gang violence. The Losberg Kloof action was carried out under this initiative.

Next steps

Court appearances and the postponed dates will determine the next phases of prosecution and investigation for the enrolled dockets.