West Rand included in Operation Prosper as 793 suspects arrested

A multi-agency operation targeting illegal mining syndicates and organised crime across Gauteng resulted in 793 arrests and the seizure of firearms, illegal mining equipment and nearly a ton of gold-bearing material.

1 hour ago

Maverick Gqoba 1 minute read

Authorities during the launch of Operation Prosper. Photo: Maverick Gqoba

The West Rand was among five Gauteng districts targeted during Operation Prosper, which resulted in 793 arrests and the seizure of firearms, illegal mining equipment and nearly a ton of gold-bearing material.

The intelligence-driven operation was conducted between April and June by the South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies, as authorities intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and organised crime.

• Also read: 217 face court after Operation Prosper raids

Some of the confiscated generators and mining equipment seized. Photo: SAPS

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the operation was carried out across Gauteng’s five districts – Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Tshwane and the West Rand – targeting illegal mining syndicates, gang-related crime and other organised criminal activities.

Members of the SANDF during the launch of Operation Prosper: Photo: Maverick Gqoba

Majority arrested for immigration offences

Captain Sibeko said 595 of the 793 suspects were arrested for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act. The remaining suspects face charges including illegal mining, possession of suspected precious metals, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Police also seized firearms, illegal mining equipment and about one ton of gold-bearing material during the operation.

• Also read: Watch: Illegal mining raid at Bundu Inn leads to more than 70 arrests

One of the firearms authorities found during the raids. Photo: SAPS

Items seized included:

• 1 826 rounds of ammunition
• 10 revolvers and pistols
• four rifles
• 749 firearm parts
• 125 electrical motors
• 5 000 bottles (825ml) of liquor
• 1 157 steel balls
• 46 melting pots
• 40 cutting torches
• 99 gas cylinders
• 79 generators
• four gold mill stands
• Six gold mills
• 920 phendukas
• 123 steel pot crushers
• precious metals and stones, including 973 859 grams of gold and gold dust

Sibeko said Operation Prosper forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks, disrupt organised crime and protect the country’s economic resources.

• Also read: VIDEO: Westonaria mine raid yields more than 150 arrests

Some of the mining equipment seized by authorities. Photo: SAPS

He added that law enforcement agencies will continue conducting similar operations to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities.

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