Some of the 105 suspects arrested during a SAPS-led illegal mining operation in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, between July 6 and 12, 2026.
A week-long police crackdown on illegal mining activities in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, has led to the arrest of 105 suspects, including 91 undocumented foreign nationals, while large quantities of gold-bearing material, mining equipment and cash were seized.
The multidisciplinary operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), was conducted between July 6 and July 12 as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal mining networks operating in the province.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu said officers recovered 14 bags of gold-bearing material, 39 phendukas, seven motors, 201 steel balls, 40 shovels and spades, bags of soil, six gas cylinders, a gold measuring scale, a metal detector and a cutting torch during the operation.
Police also confiscated R16,300 in cash believed to be linked to illegal mining activities.
