26 suspected illegal miners arrested in Westonaria raid

Gauteng police, working with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Sibanye-Stillwater’s tactical security team, have arrested 26 suspected illegal miners during an overnight Operation Prosper raid near a mine in Westonaria.

The operation began at 23:00 on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, with SANDF members cordoning off the area before police and the mine’s tactical security team moved in.

Police said one of the suspects allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers after realising they were surrounded. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

Four firearms were recovered, including three AK-47 rifles and an Uzi, along with 240 rounds of ammunition.

Illegal mining equipment, including phendukas and gas bottles, as well as gold dust, was also seized.

Operation Prosper continues to target illegal mining and related criminality across Gauteng.

Since its inception, the operation has resulted in the arrest of 1,400 suspects, including 986 people suspected of being in the country illegally.