SAPS Arrests 38 Suspects in Major Illicit Mining Operation in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga

MPUMALANGA — The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested 38 suspects during a targeted illicit mining operation in Pilgrim’s Rest, intensifying provincial efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks and associated criminal activities.

Executed from midnight on 13 September 2026, the coordinated operation resulted in 36 apprehensions for possession of gold-bearing material (GBM), gold-bearing equipment (GBE), and illegal mining. Two additional suspects were detained for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa. Subsequent investigations revealed that the individuals arrested for illicit mining activities are foreign nationals who were not in possession of valid documentation to remain in the country.

During the raid, law enforcement officials confiscated a significant array of equipment allegedly utilized in the illegal operations. The seized items include six 12.5-kilogram bags containing GBM, 10 head torches, one steel ball, one pick, two hammers, three iron rods, one chisel, three phendukas, one knife, one cell phone, and various other tools believed to be used for illegal mining.

The detained individuals are scheduled to appear shortly at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court. They face formal charges relating to illegal mining, possession of GBM and GBE, and violations of the Immigration Act of South Africa. SAPS detectives are currently working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify and ascertain the official immigration status of all arrested suspects.

Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, commended the investigating officers for their persistent efforts to disrupt illicit mining syndicates.

“Illicit mining remains a serious concern as it fuels other forms of criminality and undermines lawful economic activity,” Modise stated. “We will continue to conduct operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities, seize equipment used by illegal miners and bring those involved in these activities to justice. We also urge communities to work with the police by providing information that can assist us in combating illicit mining and associated crimes.”

The provincial police command has reiterated its commitment to sustained, collaborative operations to protect lawful economic activities and ensure that those exploiting the country’s mineral resources illegally are held accountable.

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