In a massive nationwide crackdown, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have intensified joint, multi-disciplinary efforts under Operation PROSPER.

The high-density operations targeted illegal mining, organised syndicates, and gang violence, resulting in the arrest of 1 149 suspects and the seizure of 25 illegal firearms along with 238 rounds of ammunition.

The apprehended suspects face a wide array of charges including illicit mining-related offences, murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and unlawful possession of gold-bearing material.

Other charges involve contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of suspected stolen property, and various other serious offences.

The multi-disciplinary teams executed highly coordinated raids across Gauteng's mining belts. In Westonaria a raid at the Losberg Kloof mine led to the arrest of 217 suspects, and in Randfontein an intelligence-led operation resulted in 121 arrests for illegal mining and the confiscation of specialised mining equipment.

In Mohlakeng 70 suspects were tracked down and arrested within the West Rand district last week and during these provincial operations, law enforcement also impounded two motor vehicles, seized more than 20 generators, and confiscated over 100 bags of gold-bearing material.

Simultaneous disruptive operations took place in the Free State province's Lejweleputswa district. Working alongside private mining security, the SAPS and SANDF operatives targeted Thabong (G-Hostel).

The teams successfully demolished several makeshift gold-bearing material contraptions and gravity separation tables, resulting in the arrest of four foreign nationals.

Three foreign nationals were caught unlawfully digging for materials, at the St Helena 08 Old Shaft.

Through cordon and search operations 12.5 kg of suspected gold-bearing material was confiscated along with specialised processing equipment, including strainers, sieves, and digging tools.

At the Harmony Country Club, 27 suspects were apprehended for trespassing and possession of housebreaking implements, while 17.10 kg of stolen copper cable was successfully recovered.

In North West province, the SAPS and SANDF worked with Home Affairs to execute sweeps in the Bojanala 1, Bojanala 2 and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts, dismantling significant processing sites and recovering 25 bags of gold-bearing material, steel balls, a jack hammer, two generators, chains and illicit gambling machines.

A total of 19 suspects were arrested for violating the Immigration Act while alcohol was confiscated for being illicitly traded.

The joint operations were also conducted in gang violence hotspots in the Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

The joint security forces maintain that Operation PROSPER will continue to systematically dismantle illegal mining networks and reclaim affected areas across the country.