Seventeen suspects have been arrested following a coordinated anti illegal mining operation conducted in the Pilgrim’s Rest area on Saturday, 23 May 2026, involving the South African Police Service, local security companies, Farm Watch members, and other law enforcement stakeholders.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 53, were arrested for offences linked to illegal mining activities. They face charges relating to contraventions of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as possession of gold-bearing material (GBM) and gold bearing equipment (GBE).
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and related criminal activities in the region, which has seen increased multi-agency enforcement interventions in recent years.
According to the South African Police Service, the coordinated approach between state and private security structures played a key role in the success of the operation.
“The South African Police Service appreciates the continued support and cooperation from community safety structures and private security stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining and related criminal activities,” said Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court in the coming days.
The South African Police Service has intensified operations against illegal mining across parts of Mpumalanga, as authorities continue to target networks involved in the extraction and trafficking of precious minerals outside legal channels.