By Mapaballo Borotho
- Sixteen suspects, aged 19 to 46 and including women, were arrested in Mpumalanga for illegal mining activities.
- Authorities also seized mining equipment such as pendukas and generators, with charges including possession of gold-bearing material and equipment, as well as Immigration Act violations.
- The suspects are set to appear in Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court, and law enforcement says operations against illegal mining will continue.
Sixteen suspects, including women, were arrested for participating in illegal mining activities across Mpumalanga on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
The suspects were apprehended during a multidisciplinary disruptive operation that forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining within the province.
“During the operation, suspects aged between 19 and 46 were arrested for contraventions of the Immigration Act of South Africa. Additional charges include possession of gold-bearing material (GBM) and possession of gold-bearing equipment (GBE),” said Police spokesperson Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
Furthermore, equipment believed to have been used in illegal mining operations, including pendukas and generators, was confiscated.
Detectives are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Law enforcement authorities remain committed to intensifying operations aimed at eradicating illegal mining activities and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Nonyane-Mpe added.
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