South Africa Police Service arrested three Zimbabwean nationals aged 20, 35 and 37 during a multidisciplinary Operation at Roken Mine in the Wolverand area, Klerksdorp, in the North West. The three criminals were arrested on Tuesday October, 13 2026 in the afternoon.
According to a statement, shared by the SAPS, the suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining, possession of explosives and contravention of the Immigration Act. SAPS arrested the criminals under the operation Prosper in which SAPS leading units work together in collaboration.
The unit’s names are South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Dr Kenneth Kaunda Illicit Mining Team, Crime Intelligence (CI), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Roken Mine security.
During the operation the team descended on one of the identified hotspots where illegal mining activities are reportedly taking place. Some suspected illegal miners allegedly managed to evade arrest after noticing law enforcement officers approaching the area. However, three suspects were apprehended, and officers found various items which they believed are used in illegal mining activities were seized.
The names of the seized items by the officers used in illegal mining activities, included:
59 connector-capped fuses,
98 Superpower blasting cartridges,
Nine 25-metre detonating cords,
14 generators,
Six water pumps,
10 jackhammers Liquor and food.
Moreover,the arrested three suspects are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, the Provincial Commissioner of the North West, commended all the unit’s officers for their hard work during the operation. Lt. Adams also mentioned that Operation Prosper showcased the Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining and related crimes that threaten community safety, economic stability, and environmental security in the province.
He said, “That all those who continue to engage in illegal mining activities and related criminal conduct must be warned that Operation Prosper will intensify operations to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book”.
Notably, SAPS shared the details of the operation on their official social media handle along with photos of seized items.