A two-day disruptive operation targeting illegal mining activities in the Mpumalanga region has resulted in the arrest of fifteen suspects. The arrests were made on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, and Thursday, 05 March 2026, in the areas of Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie, and Graskop.
The operation was conducted by members deployed under the Pilgrim’s Rest initiative. The suspects, whose ages range from 19 to 54, face charges that include contraventions of the Immigration Act, possession of suspected gold, and possession of mining equipment. Authorities also reported that illegal mining equipment was found abandoned at the scene and has been confiscated.
The arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in various courts in the region, including the Sabie Magistrate’s Court, the Graskop Magistrate’s Court, and the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court.