More than 100 suspected illegal miners arrested in Fochville

A joint operation targeting illegal mining in Fochville, southwest of Johannesburg, resulted in the arrest of 121 suspected illegal miners and the recovery of five firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, on Tuesday.

The operation, conducted under Operation Prosper/Karabo, started at about 3am in Mphahla village in the Fochville policing precinct.

Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said various police units worked with:

The SANDF first cordoned off the operational area before police and the mine’s tactical security team moved in.

Five firearms were recovered — three pistols, an AK-47 rifle and a homemade pistol. Ammunition was also seized.

Police also recovered illegal mining equipment, including phendukas, gas bottles and gold-bearing material.

Operation Prosper will continue targeting illegal mining activities and associated criminality in Gauteng, said Nevhuhulwi.