Johannesburg South and Ekhuruleni were among the key areas targeted in a crime-fighting operation that saw the arrest of 793 suspects across Joburg between June and July.

Operation Prosper, a collaborative effort between the SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs, and other law enforcement agencies, aimed to disrupt illegal mining activities, combat gang-related crime, and dismantle criminal networks.

The operation, which spanned across all five districts of Gauteng, including Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of arms, liquor, and illegal mining equipment.

Among the items confiscated were 1 826 rounds of ammunition, 10 revolvers/pistols, four rifles, 749 firearm parts, 125 electrical motors, and 5 000 bottles of liquor.

Additionally, police seized precious metals and stones, including 973 859 grams of gold and gold dust, as well as various equipment used in illegal mining operations.

Of the 793 suspects arrested, 595 were detained for contravening immigration laws, while the remaining suspects were arrested for offences including illegal mining, possession of suspected precious metals, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and other related crimes.

The operation is part of Gauteng’s key initiatives to disrupt illegal mining activities, combat gang-related crime, and safeguard the country’s economic resources.

SAPS and other law enforcement agencies remain committed to intensifying these operations to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

Captain Tinstwalo Sibeko of the Gauteng SAPS spoke about the operation.

“We are cracking down on all criminal activity in our province. The cities are under attack and we plan to fight back in accordance with the laws of South Africa,” said Sibeko.