Eighteen suspects, who are also undocumented foreign nationals, were arrested for illegal mining following several operations in Mpumalanga by the South African Police Service (SAPs).

Various gold-containing mining equipment was also seized during the operation last week.

undocumented alien citizen

Five unidentified foreign nationals aged between 21 and 41 were arrested during an operation conducted in Lowes Creek on Monday 21 April 2026.

The suspects were found to be in possession of gold bearing material (GBM) and gold bearing equipment (GBE). According to police, equipment including GBM and GBE were seized during the operation.

mpumalanga, illegal mining, saps, seized items
Gold and illegal mining equipment seized by police. Image: supply/sap

seized goods

Police also seized equipment used in illegal mining activities, including: penduka (a hand-held cylinder also known as a household machine used in illegal mining), motor, jackhammer, gas cylinder and other related items.

SAPS, Illegal Mining, Gold Holding Devices, Undocumented Foreign NationalsSAPS, Illegal Mining, Gold Holding Devices, Undocumented Foreign Nationals
Pendukas are homemade machines used to process illegally mined minerals (2024). Image: SANDF
These motors were seized from the crime scene by authorities: Image: Supply/SAPThese motors were seized from the crime scene by authorities: Image: Supply/SAP
These motors were seized from the crime scene by authorities: Image: Supply/SAP

The operation continued into Sikobile Township, where additional undocumented foreign nationals were arrested for possession of explosives.

follow up action

A follow-up operation was conducted at Pilgrims Rest on Thursday, 23 April 2026, which led to the arrest of another eight unspecified foreign nationals aged between 20 and 57.

The 18 arrested suspects face charges related to possession of gold-bearing material and gold-bearing equipment.

Further operations in the Pilgrims Rest and Sabie areas between 24 and 26 April 2026 resulted in the arrest of five more unspecified foreign nationals aged 18 to 39.

court appearance

The suspects are also accused of possessing gold-bearing material and gold-bearing equipment, including several items used in illegal mining such as mercury.

According to reports, detectives are working with Home Department officials to ascertain the condition of the arrested suspects.

All 18 suspects are expected to appear at Sabie Magistrates Court, Pilgrims Rest Magistrates Court and Barberton Magistrates Court soon.

Support local journalism

Add The Citizen as a preferred source on Google and follow us on Google News to see more of our trusted reporting in Google News and top stories.

Categorized in:

Legal Matters

Tagged in:

, , , , , ,