Police zoom in on illegal mining in Pilgrim’s Rest, arresting suspects
Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 8:13 a.m. | By Emile Pienaar Mpumalanga provincial police arrested 24 suspects as it intensified operations to combat illicit mining…
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Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 8:13 a.m. | By Emile Pienaar
Mpumalanga provincial police arrested 24 suspects as it intensified operations to combat illicit mining activities between 29 July and 10 August of this year.
Provincial police spokesperson Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said these arrests are part of their broader goal to target illegal mining and related criminality.
"Of the 24 suspects arrested, 12 were arrested for offences relating to illegal mining, while one suspect faces charges of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest," said Nonyane-Mpe.
"A further 11 suspects, who were found to be undocumented illegal immigrants, are facing additional charges relating to illicit mining and possession of suspected gold-bearing material and equipment."
She said during the operations, police had already discovered various items that had allegedly been abandoned at an illicit mining site.
"During the operations, police also discovered various items that had allegedly been abandoned at an illicit mining site. These included 27 pendukas, 147 steel balls, two water pumps, two cutting torches, two hammers, 10 head torches and one gas bottle."
Nonyane-Mpe said these items were seized for further investigation.
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