More than 120 suspected illegal miners arrested in Fochville

Over 120 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining have been apprehended in Mphahla village, a location in Fochville, Gauteng's far West Rand, according to police reports. This significant operation, known as Operation Prosper, aimed at curbing illegal mining practices and related criminal activities, resulted in the seizure of five firearms, including three pistols and an AK47 rifle, as well as other illegal mining equipment such as pendukas, gas bottles, and gold-bearing material.

The successful operation was a collaborative effort involving the Gauteng police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Home Affairs department, the Hawks, and Sibanye Stillwater mine's tactical security team. The operation commenced at around 3 am on September 29, 2026, with the SANDF members first establishing a cordon around the operational area, followed by the police and the mine's tactical security team moving in to carry out the arrests.

Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi provided further details, stating that the operation was guided and led by crime intelligence. She added that Operation Prosper is an ongoing initiative targeting illegal mining activities and associated criminality in Gauteng. Earlier this month, a similar operation at Kloof Gold Mine, also situated on the West Rand, resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects.

Major-General Fred Kekana, Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner, emphasized that the operation at Mphahla is part of Operation Prosper, which is being guided by crime intelligence. He further stated that while the operation in Wadela is an isolated incident, teams are actively working to track down and follow up on leads provided by the community, with the expectation that these efforts will yield positive results.