Twenty-six suspected illegal miners have been arrested and one suspect was shot dead by police during an overnight Operation Prosper raid near a mine in Westonaria.

The suspect was fatally wounded after allegedly firing shots at law enforcement officers when the group realised they were surrounded.

Multi-agency operation

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, September 2, involved members of the police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Sibanye-Stillwater’s tactical security team.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridli confirmed that the raid commenced at about 23:00. SANDF members first cordoned off the operational area before police and the mine’s tactical security team moved in to apprehend the suspects.

Muridli said the suspects allegedly attempted to resist the operation, with one suspect firing shots at law enforcement officers after realising that the group was surrounded. Authorities returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

Weapons and gold dust seized

During the operation, authorities recovered four firearms – three AK-47 rifles and one Uzi – along with 240 rounds of ammunition. Illegal mining equipment, including phendukas, gas bottles and gold dust, was also seized.

The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt illegal mining and the criminal activities associated with it across Gauteng.

Since its inception, Operation Prosper has resulted in the arrest of 1 400 suspects, including 986 suspected illegal immigrants. Authorities say the operation will continue as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and associated criminality in the province.