From December 23, 2025, to January 27, 2026, Gauteng’s Public Order Policing Units conducted operations against illegal mining in the West Rand District, focusing on Bekkersdal and surrounding areas.
The operations resulted in the arrest of approximately 50 suspects. Charges include illegal mining, possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, contravention of the Immigration Act, murder, and contravention of the Liquor Act.
Authorities confiscated multiple tools used for illegal mining, including phendukas, gas cylinders, stone crushers, spades, generators, jackhammers, and water pipes. Seized items also include gold-bearing materials, five unlicensed firearms, and various explosives.
Police state that visibility will remain heightened in these areas through continued stop-and-search operations and patrols.