South African law enforcement agencies have intensified their campaign against illegal mining syndicates and organised crime, arresting 1,149 suspects during Operation Prosper in June as authorities continue efforts to restore law and order in crime hotspot provinces.
The nationwide operation, led jointly by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), focused on dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting organised criminal groups and reducing gang-related violence across several provinces.
According to SAPS, the intelligence-led operation also resulted in the seizure of 25 illegal and unlicensed firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, narcotics and specialised equipment used in illegal mining activities.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the latest results demonstrate government’s ongoing commitment to tackling organised crime and strengthening public safety.
He said authorities remain determined to dismantle criminal networks involved in illicit mining and gang-related offences while reinforcing the rule of law in affected communities.
The arrests covered a broad range of serious offences, including illegal mining, murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of gold-bearing material, contraventions of the Immigration Act and possession of suspected stolen property.
Among those arrested were 212 suspects linked to drug-related crimes, 269 for immigration offences, 183 for illegal liquor trading, 12 for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and 10 for unlawful possession of ammunition.
Illegal firearms, drugs and mining equipment confiscated
During the month-long operation, police and military personnel recovered 25 illegal firearms, 238 rounds of ammunition and 95 dangerous weapons.
Authorities also confiscated gold-bearing material, a recovered truck and quantities of dagga, heroin, mandrax and CAT.
In addition to weapons and drugs, officers seized equipment commonly associated with illegal mining operations, including 46 generators, 10 pieces of heavy-duty machinery, 324 phendukas, 51 gas cylinders and seven cutting torches.
Illegal mining remains one of South Africa’s most significant organised crime challenges, particularly in Gauteng, where abandoned mines are frequently exploited by criminal syndicates. Authorities say these operations are often linked to violent crime, illegal immigration, firearms trafficking and environmental damage.
Gauteng and Western Cape record major enforcement successes
Gauteng recorded some of the highest arrest figures during the latest phase of Operation Prosper.
Police arrested 217 suspects at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria, 121 suspects in Randfontein and another 70 in Mohlakeng earlier this month.
Meanwhile, separate joint operations in the Western Cape targeted gang violence across 17 high-crime policing precincts, resulting in 1,054 additional arrests connected to gang-related and other serious criminal offences.
Mukhathi said Operation Prosper continues to rely heavily on intelligence gathering to identify criminal networks and deploy resources where they can have the greatest impact.
Authorities have indicated that coordinated operations involving SAPS, SANDF and other law enforcement agencies will continue as government intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining, organised crime and gang violence across South Africa.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS)