On 10 July 2026, Solomon Mahlangu Regiment Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Company under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, together with the South African Police Services conducted a joint operation at Bhundu Inn in Mohlakeng (West Rand), focusing on cracking down illicit mining with Gauteng Province.
This was an intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service Counter Intelligence in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force Defence Intelligence and supported by Battlefield Surveillance, to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities.
The operation yielded positive results with the following seized equipment and arrests used:
• Generators;
• Jackhammers;
• Phenduka’s water pumps;
• Spades;
• Stamper;
• Chisels and axe;
• Steel balls and a wheelbarrow;
• Cash;
• Alcohol;
• Firearm magazines, one 9mm live round of ammunition;
• Cellular phones and power banks;
• Propane tanks;
• Explosives comprising connector-capped fuses, detonating cord and Superpower 90 blasting cartridges and
• Two vehicles, a Honda CR-V and a Volkswagen Polo.
During the Operation, 121 suspects were arrested for illegal mining, possession of gold-bearing material and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The suspects comprise of:
• 18 Lesotho nationals;
• 37 Zimbabwean nationals;
• 28 Mozambican nationals;
• 33 Malawian nationals and
• 7 South African citizens.
The South African National Defence Force is committed in supporting the South African Police Services to restore the dignity of our country, by combating criminality in our communities.
Article by: Warrant Officer Class 2 Letsebe Ramaboa and Coporal Sindi Ntayingane || Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng Province Operational Communication Office and Photographs by Communication Team.
SANDF
