29 Zama-Zamas Arrested, One Killed During SANDF Operation at West Rand Mine
- SANDF soldiers and SAPS units conducted an intelligence-driven operation at Kloof Mine Plant in Gauteng on 3 August 2026
- Twenty-nine illegal miners were arrested and four firearms were seized, including three AK-47 rifles and an Uzi
- One miner was shot and killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcement during the operation
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GAUTENG — Twenty-nine illegal miners were arrested and one was shot dead during a joint law enforcement operation targeting illicit mining at the Kloof Mine Plant in the West Rand, Gauteng, in the early hours of 3 August 2026.
The operation, conducted under Operation PROSPER, was intelligence-driven and initiated after authorities identified the Kloof Mine Plant as a site requiring intervention against illegal mining and organised criminal activity.
Solomon Mahlangu regiment leads joint effort
The Solomon Mahlangu Regiment, operating under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, carried out the operation alongside the South African Police Service's Anti-Gang Unit and Public Order Police. The combined deployment reflects the increasing use of military and police resources to counter what authorities describe as deeply entrenched illicit mining networks across Gauteng.
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During the operation, one miner was shot and killed in an exchange of fire with law enforcement personnel. Four firearms were recovered at the scene, comprising three AK-47 rifles and one Uzi semi-automatic rifle.
In 2025, police has carried put a similar operation in the same location where 21 illegal miners were arrested.
SANDF and SAPS reaffirm commitment to anti-mining crackdown
In a statement following the operation, both the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service said they remain committed to joint operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining and combating associated criminal activity. The agencies stated that such interventions are intended to restore peace and security for citizens across the republic.
The Kloof Mine area in the West Rand has been a persistent flashpoint for illegal mining, with so-called zama-zamas frequently clashing with authorities and rival groups in the region.
3 articles on zama samas
Briefly News also reported that tensions rose in Bapong after police arrested at least three suspected illegal miners with large quantities of chrome in a community already burdened by illicit mining.
The Hawks took action against illegal mining in South Africa and raided the homes of alleged zama zama kingpins in Carletonville and Khutsong, Johannesburg.
The South African Police Service arrested almost 50 illegal foreigners in Gauteng for illicit mining activities.The arrests were part of an operation the police conducted in Gauteng as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
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Source: Briefly News
