A multi-disciplinary operation conducted between June 11 and 17 in the Majax and Nkanini areas of Pilgrim’s Rest resulted in the arrest of 36 suspects during an illegal mining crackdown. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and associated criminal activities across the province.

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The suspects, aged between 24 and 41, were arrested for alleged contravention of the Immigration Act. Additional charges include possession of gold-bearing material and gold-bearing equipment.

“Three fines were also issued for contravention of the Liquor Act and the Road Traffic Act,” said police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.

Various items believed to have been used in illegal mining activities were confiscated. Law enforcement officers also recovered suspected stolen industrial chemicals from a vehicle abandoned by its owner, who fled after noticing a stop-and-search operation in the area.

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In a separate development linked to the operation, a stolen vehicle was recovered in KaBokweni, and two firearms were recovered in the Masoyi area.

Investigations are ongoing and detectives are working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the suspects.