PILGRIM’S REST- Police arrested 38 suspects during an illicit mining operation in Pilgrim’s Rest in the early hours of 13 September 2026.
Of the 38, 36 were arrested for illegal mining and possession of gold-bearing material and equipment. Two were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.
Police discovered that the 36 suspects arrested for illicit mining are foreign nationals without valid documents to be in South Africa.
During the operation, police confiscated 10 head torches, six 12.5kg bags of GBM, three phendukas, three iron rods, two hammers, a pick, chisel, steel ball, knife, cellphone and other mining equipment.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court soon. Detectives are working with Home Affairs to verify the status of those arrested.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the members and said illicit mining fuels other crimes and undermines lawful economic activity.
“We will continue to disrupt illegal mining, seize equipment and bring perpetrators to justice. We urge communities to provide information to assist us,” she said.
