AN UNDOCUMENTED MALE HANDCUFFED FOR ILLEGAL MINING – IN THE BENONI AREA

BENONI _ On Thursday 10 September 2026 at 08:00, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Intervention Unit Officers, together with private security personnel, arrested a thirty-three-year-old (33) undocumented foreign national, for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigrations Act, in the Benoni area.

The arrest follows ongoing operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities, within the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE). Officers conducted a sting operation at an illegal mining site, in the Lindelani Informal Settlement.

Upon arrival on site, Officers apprehended the suspect, who was found in possession of suspected illegal mining equipment and materials, including five (5) phendunkas, two (2) motors, two (2) 25-litre containers filled with soil containing gold-bearing material, and one (1) 25-litre container of steel balls.

The suspect, was detained at the Benoni Police Station and is facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is expected to appear before the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon.