WESTONARIA, GAUTENG — A significant Westonaria illegal mining bust has led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of multiple high-caliber weapons following a coordinated security operation at the Kloof Gold Mine Hostel.
The intervention was initiated on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at approximately 16:00, after Sibanye Protection Services received intelligence regarding a group of armed illegal miners operating in the area. In response to the threat, the private security firm requested immediate tactical assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Public Order Policing (POP) unit and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
During the joint raid, law enforcement and military personnel apprehended two Lesotho nationals, aged 32 and 35. According to officials on the scene, the suspects were found in direct possession of one AK-47 rifle and one R5 rifle. Furthermore, tactical teams discovered two additional AK-47 rifles that had been abandoned at the location by the fleeing or hiding individuals.
The comprehensive weapons cache seized during the operation included a total of three AK-47 rifles, one R5 rifle, six magazines, and 246 live rounds of ammunition. Investigators also confiscated two Lesotho passports from the scene.
The two arrested men are currently facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Authorities note that police investigations remain ongoing as they work to identify any other individuals connected to the armed syndicate. This successful interdiction highlights the continued, collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, the military, and private security partners to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and curb the proliferation of illicit firearms across Gauteng.
