South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng
By Zagazola Makama
South African security agencies have arrested 137 suspects during a coordinated operation targeting illegal mining activities in Gauteng Province, authorities said.
The operation was carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Sibanye Protection Services, and Fidelity Specialised Services as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates operating across the province.
According to security officials, the suspects include undocumented foreign nationals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho who were allegedly engaged in unlawful mining activities.
Two additional suspects were also arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition and for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of items believed to have been used in the illegal mining operations, including mining tools, food supplies, and alcoholic beverages.
Authorities also seized a 9mm pistol, two magazines, and 118 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
The operation forms part of sustained security measures by South African law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining, which has increasingly been linked to organised criminal networks, illegal firearms, immigration offences, and violent crimes in parts of Gauteng.
The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations, while security agencies said efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates across the province would continue.
