8 arrested in illegal mining crackdown near Rand West City
A joint law enforcement operation targeting illegal mining in the far West Rand resulted in arrests, a firearm seizure and immigration-related charges.
A multidisciplinary law enforcement operation targeting illegal mining activities in Carletonville, neighbouring Rand West City in the far West Rand, resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of an unlicensed firearm yesterday.
The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation Prosper, involved members of the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force.
During the operation, officers arrested a 23-year-old man for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Police recovered a 9mm Norinco pistol with no serial number, a magazine and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.
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In a separate incident, seven undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 22 and 40, were arrested for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act.
Police also recovered illegal mining equipment believed to have been abandoned at a mining site. The equipment included a phenduka, stamper, chisel, hammers, a stamper pot, and 29 steel balls commonly associated with illegal mining activities.
Authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and related criminal activity in the region.
All eight suspects are expected to appear in the Carletonville Magistrate’s Court soon.
