Two suspects have been arrested and four unlicensed firearms, along with ammunition, recovered during a police operation at Kloof Gold Mine Hostel in Westonaria on Wednesday, October 28.

According to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the operation was conducted at about 16:00 after Sibanye Protection Services received information about a group of armed illegal miners at the hostel.

The security company requested assistance from the SAPS Gauteng Public Order Policing (POP) unit and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

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During the operation, two suspects, aged 32 and 35, were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and an R5 rifle. Two additional AK-47 rifles were also found abandoned at the scene.

Police recovered three AK-47 rifles, one R5 rifle, six magazines and 246 live rounds of ammunition. Two Lesotho passports were also found during the operation.

The two arrested suspects are Lesotho nationals and face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Both suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, October 30.

Sibeko confirmed that police investigations are ongoing.

The recovery forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and security partners to combat illegal mining and curb the proliferation of illegal firearms in Gauteng.