Over 100 illegal miners arrested in Gauteng pre‑dawn blitz

A pre‑dawn blitz in Gauteng has seen police and soldiers arrest 121 suspected illegal miners and seize five firearms, including an AK‑47, as Operation Prosper/Karabo intensified its assault on the criminal networks fuelling South Africa’s illegal mining economy.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulw said the operation was decisive “Five firearms, including three pistols, one AK‑47 rifle and a self‑made pistol, together with ammunition, were recovered during the operation, as well as illegal mining equipment such as phendukas, gas bottles and gold‑bearing material.

Picture: Saps Operation Prosper Earlier this month, Operation Prosper intensified in Gauteng’s West Rand, where police and soldiers arrested 30 suspects – mostly foreign nationals – and seized a large haul of illegal mining equipment in Mohlakeng.