A nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, organised crime and gang-related violence has resulted in 1,149 arrests across five provinces, police and military officials said on Friday.

The South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force conducted intelligence-driven operations throughout June under Operation Prosper, targeting illicit mining syndicates and criminal networks operating in Gauteng, Free State, North West, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the latest arrests demonstrate government’s determination to dismantle criminal networks operating in affected communities.

“These arrests reflect government’s unwavering determination to deal decisively with illicit mining activities and gang violence-related crimes in the affected provinces, marking significant progress in ensuring public safety and reinforcing the authority of the state,” Mukhathi said.

Of those arrested, 269 were detained for contravening the Immigration Act, 212 for drug-related offences, 183 for illegal liquor dealing, 12 for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and 10 for unlawful possession of ammunition.

The joint operations seized 25 illegal and unlicensed firearms, 238 rounds of ammunition, 11 magazines and 95 dangerous weapons.

Authorities also confiscated 46 generators, 10 pieces of heavy-duty machinery, 324 phendukas – hand-operated mining devices – 51 gas bottles and seven cutting torches used in illegal mining operations.

Gauteng recorded some of the largest illegal mining arrests. At the Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria, multidisciplinary teams arrested 217 suspects. A separate intelligence-led operation in Randfontein resulted in a further 121 arrests. On 10 July, another 70 suspects were arrested in Mohlakeng on the West Rand, where police impounded two vehicles, seized more than 20 generators and confiscated over 100 bags of gold-bearing material.

In the Free State, disruptive operations in the Lejweleputswa District led to the demolition of makeshift processing sites in Thabong and the arrest of four foreign nationals. Three more foreign nationals were arrested at the St Helena 08 Old Shaft for illegal mining activities. Police confiscated 12.5kg of suspected gold-bearing material together with specialised mining equipment.

At the Harmony Country Club, 27 suspects were arrested for trespassing and possession of housebreaking implements, while 17.1kg of stolen copper cable was recovered.

In the North West, joint teams comprising SAPS, SANDF and the Department of Home Affairs dismantled illegal processing sites in the Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts, seizing 25 bags of gold-bearing material, mining equipment and illicit gambling machines, while 19 suspects were arrested for immigration-related offences.

In the Western Cape, law enforcement agencies arrested 1,054 suspects during operations across 17 high-crime precincts, facing charges ranging from murder and attempted murder to illegal firearm possession and drug offences.

“Operation Prosper members remain focused and heavily guided by ongoing intelligence to maximise impact and fulfil its intent to combat organised criminal networks and gang violence-related crimes in hotspot provinces,” Mukhathi said.

The joint security forces maintain that Operation Prosper will continue to systematically dismantle illegal mining networks and reclaim affected areas across the country.