Ten suspects were arrested, and an AK-47 rifle recovered, during an Operation Prosper raid at Kloof Gold Mine in Westonaria on Tuesday, September 8.

The operation was conducted by the police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities in the area.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the operation involved members of Public Order Policing, Westonaria Visible Policing, the Tactical Response Team, SANDF and Sibanye Protection Services.

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One suspect was arrested after allegedly being found with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and gold-bearing material.

A man and a woman were also arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of gold-bearing material.

Seven other suspects were arrested for allegedly being in the country without the required documentation, in contravention of the Immigration Act.

All 10 suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court soon.

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Sibeko said the police and SANDF would continue conducting integrated operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining and other criminal activities.

The latest arrests form part of continued Operation Prosper activities in the West Rand, where law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to target illegal mining operations and those involved in associated criminal activities.