Operation Prosper leads to more than 40 arrests across Gauteng
The suspects were arrested during intelligence-driven operations targeting illegal mining, illegal immigration and the unlawful possession of explosives.
More than 40 suspects were arrested during intelligence-driven Operation Prosper targeting illegal mining and related criminal activities across Gauteng.
According to the police, the arrests were made during operations conducted from Saturday, August 8, to Thursday, August 13, in the Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Sedibeng districts.
The suspects were arrested for offences including illegal immigration and the unlawful possession of explosives.
ALSO READ: SAPS arrests 21 illegal immigrants in Ekurhuleni crackdown on illegal mining and crime
Operations were conducted in Benoni, Van Ryn and the Primrose/ Makause informal settlement in Ekurhuleni, Langlaagte in Johannesburg and Orange Farms in Sedibeng.
Police also seized various items believed to be used in illegal mining activities, including water pumps, spades, phendukas, gas bottles, generators and explosives.
Operation Prosper is a multidisciplinary initiative involving police, the South African National Defence Force and other relevant stakeholders. It aims to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities.
Police said intelligence-driven operations would continue in identified illegal mining hotspots across the province to disrupt criminal activities, dismantle illegal mining operations and bring perpetrators to justice.
