Mpumalanga police arrest 24 in Pilgrim’s Rest illegal mining operation

Police in Mpumalanga arrested 24 suspects during a series of operations targeting illicit mining at Pilgrim’s Rest, authorities said. The actions, carried out between 29 July and 10 August 2026, also yielded equipment and material believed to be linked to illegal gold recovery.

Arrests and charges

SAPS spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe confirmed the arrests were made as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit mining activities and associated offences.

Of the 24 suspects: 12 were arrested for offences relating to illegal mining; one faces charges of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest; and 11 were found to be undocumented illegal immigrants and are facing additional charges related to illicit mining and possession of suspected gold-bearing material and equipment, Nonyane-Mpe said.

Equipment seized

Police reported finding items allegedly abandoned at an illicit mining site. The recovered equipment seized for further investigation included:

• 27 pendukas
• 147 steel balls
• two water pumps
• two cutting torches
• two hammers
• 10 head torches
• one gas bottle

Police commitment and wider context

Nonyane-Mpe said the operations form part of the SAPS’ ongoing work with law enforcement stakeholders to disrupt illicit mining and address criminal activity linked to the exploitation of natural resources and possession of suspected gold-bearing material and equipment.

Mpumalanga SAPS said it remains committed to conducting disruptive operations in identified illicit mining areas and to working with stakeholders to ensure those involved in illegal activities are brought to justice.

Separate collapse near Rustenburg

The report also described a separate incident near Rustenburg at Nkaneng where 14 suspected illegal miners died after the walls of an excavated dumping site caved in. The group were believed to be Basotho nationals and were allegedly digging for platinum group metals when the collapse occurred.

Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said eight miners were rescued and taken to hospital; three were later discharged and detained for contravening immigration laws, and five remain under police guard. Authorities said rescue and recovery operations were continuing amid fears more miners may still be trapped underground.

An inquest has been opened and police and mine security continue to maintain a presence at the Rustenburg site.

“This tragedy is a reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining. People entering abandoned or active underground areas expose themselves to significant risks, including rockfalls and other life‑threatening hazards,” Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, North West Provincial Commissioner, said.

Investigations into both the Mpumalanga operations and the Rustenburg collapse are ongoing.