News24 | 217 illegal miners arrested at Westonaria mine during Operation Prosper

A major law-enforcement swoop on the Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria, Johannesburg, has resulted in the arrest of 217 illegal miners during Operation Prosper on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the police, those arrested included illegal immigrants from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

“Two suspects were arrested for possession of ammunition and for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants,” said police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko.

The police also recovered equipment used for illegal mining, including phendukas, foodstuffs, and alcohol. A 9mm pistol, two magazines and 118 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were seized.

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The operation was led by the police in collaboration with the SA National Defence Force, Sibanye Protection Services and Fidelity Specialised Services.

Operation Prosper is a multi-agency security initiative authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa that targets illegal mining activities and gang violence across the country.

The operation forms part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities in Gauteng.

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