The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested 38 suspects during an operation targeting illicit mining and related criminal activities in Pilgrim’s Rest.
The operation was conducted from midnight on Sunday, 13 September 2026.According to SAPS, 36 of the suspects were arrested for alleged possession of gold-bearing material (GBM), gold-bearing equipment (GBE) and illegal mining.
Two others were arrested for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act.SAPS says the 36 suspects arrested in connection with illicit mining activities were found to be foreign nationals who could not produce valid documentation permitting them to remain in South Africa.
Police also confiscated 10 head torches, one steel ball, six 12.5-kilogram bags containing gold-bearing material, one pick, two hammers, three iron rods, one chisel, three phendukas, one knife and one cellphone, among other equipment allegedly used in illegal mining activities.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court soon on charges relating to illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and equipment, and contravention of the Immigration Act. SAPS detectives are working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to determine the immigration status of the arrested suspects.
The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended police members for their efforts to disrupt illicit mining activities. Modise said illicit mining remains a serious concern because it fuels other forms of criminality and undermines lawful economic activity.
Police have urged communities to work with law enforcement by providing information that could assist in combating illicit mining and other related crimes.
