WELKOM, FREE STATE — A major Welkom illegal mining crackdown has yielded significant results as joint task teams apprehended eight suspects and confiscated over 163 kilograms of suspected gold-bearing material (GBM) over the past week. The multi-agency effort, dubbed Joint Operation Karabo Prosper, is intensifying measures to curb illicit mining activities and secure the region’s mineral resources.
According to spokespersons for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the collaborative operation involves police, military personnel, and dedicated mine security task teams. These spokespersons confirmed that the coordinated efforts are specifically targeting the rampant illegal extraction of minerals around the Welkom mining belt.
The latest wave of arrests began on Saturday, October 24, 2026, when operatives conducted night duties at the Bambanani East mining area. During this raid, three suspects were intercepted in possession of suspected GBM. Authorities noted that these individuals were also found to be in the country illegally.
Operations continued later in the week to maintain pressure on illicit syndicates. On October 28, three additional suspects were apprehended at Harmony Shaft 5, leading to the seizure of more possible GBM and equipment allegedly used in the illegal operations. The following day, Thursday, October 29, two foreign nationals were arrested for the suspected possession of gold-bearing material.
Spokespersons for the joint task team confirmed that all confiscated items have been officially booked as evidence for upcoming legal proceedings. The seized haul includes the 163.7 kilograms of suspected gold-bearing material, alongside various manual mining tools: two steel plates, 11 spades, four shovels, five buckets, and nine pickaxes.
The eight arrested suspects, whose ages range from 21 to 49, are currently in police custody. They are facing a slate of serious charges, including the suspected possession of gold-bearing material, trespassing on restricted mining property, and contraventions of the Immigration Act.
Authorities have indicated that Joint Operation Karabo Prosper will maintain a visible and aggressive presence in the area to ensure the long-term disruption of illegal mining networks.
