More than 120 suspected illegal miners were arrested on Friday during an operation at Bundu Inn in Mohlakeng, west of Johannesburg.
WATCH | Over 100 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in Randfontein. Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana says police encountered random shooting when they arrived at the scene. pic.twitter.com/kDWUDns9eB
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 10, 2026
The multidisciplinary operation, conducted by Gauteng police in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), is aimed at combating illegal mining activities and other related criminal offences in the area.
[WATCH] Over 100 suspected illegal miners arrested in an operation carried out by SAPs and SANDF in Randfontein today.
Generators, alcohol, cellphones, food and extraction tools among the items found. #Sabcnews pic.twitter.com/rLBaunnMEN
— Lopang (@LopangAlamu) July 10, 2026
Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Fred Kekana says the majority of the arrested suspects are Zimbabwean, followed by Malawians, Mozambicans and Lesotho nationals.
“Only seven South African nationals were arrested and that gives us another dimension because we know Malawians as people who don’t get involved in illegal mining but clearly, we were wrong.”
VIDEO | Over 100 suspected illegal miners arrested in Randfontein
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