Gauteng police, working alongside the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Sibanye-Stillwater’s tactical security team, arrested 26 suspected illegal miners and recovered four firearms during an Operation Prosper raid at Sibanye-Stillwater’s operations near Westonaria.

This is the second biggest operation in the Far West Rand this week as a man, believed to be an illegal mining kingpin was killed after he fired at police at Blyvoor near Carletonville earlier the week.

The latest operation turned deadly when one suspect opened fire on law enforcement members and was fatally wounded in return fire.

The overnight raid commenced at 23:00 on September 2, with SANDF members first cordoning off the operational area before police and the mine’s security team moved in to apprehend the suspects. When the suspects realised they were surrounded, one of them allegedly fired shots at the members, who retaliated and fatally wounded the individual.

Recovered during the operation were four firearms, including three AK-47 rifles and one Uzi, along with 240 rounds of ammunition. Authorities also seized illegal mining equipment such as phendukas, gas bottles, and gold dust from the scene.

Operation Prosper continues to target illegal mining activities and associated criminality in Gauteng. Since its inception, the operation has resulted in the arrest of 1 400 suspects, including 986 illegal immigrants.