A large-scale law enforcement operation targeting illegal mining and organised crime led to the arrest of more than 150 suspects at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria on the morning of July 7.

The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation Prosper, brought together the Gauteng police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Sibanye Protection Services in a co-ordinated effort to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that those arrested are linked to illegal mining-related offences, as law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating at abandoned and active mining sites.

Watch the video here:

Operation Prosper forms part of ongoing interventions aimed at addressing the growing threat of illegal mining and associated transnational crimes, which have become a significant concern across parts of Gauteng, particularly the West Rand.

Captain Sibeko said the crime scene at Losberg Kloof Mine remains active, with investigations and further operations still underway. A law enforcement presence is expected to continue as authorities secure the site and process the suspects.

Further details are expected to be released as the operation progresses.