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Police arrest 92 suspected illegal miners in Krugersdorp

Published

Police also seized mining equipment, two firearms, ammunition and explosives at West Village during Operation Prosper/Karabo. The operation began on Monday 19 October 2026, when soldiers cordoned off the area before police moved in.

The South African National Defence Force cordoned off the area first. Police and Department of Home Affairs officials then moved in to carry out the enforcement operation.

Gauteng police issued a statement on the arrests. The South African Police Service said efforts to dismantle illegal mining continue to yield positive results.

Key facts

Who
South African Police Service (agency that said the suspects were arrested); Gauteng police (issued the statement on the operation); South African National Defence Force (cordoned off the operational area); Department of Home Affairs (officials took part in enforcement operations)
What
The South African Police Service said multidisciplinary forces of Operation Prosper/Karabo arrested 92 suspected illegal miners at West Village, Krugersdorp, and seized illegal mining equipment, two firearms, ammunition and explosives. The operation began on Monday 19 October 2026 with SANDF cordoning off the area before police and Home Affairs officials moved in.
When
19 October 2026
Where
West Village, Krugersdorp, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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