19 Illegal Immigrants Arrested and Set for Deportation After Joint Police and SANDF Illegal Mining Operations Recover Gold-Bearing Dust Valued at R250,000
A joint law enforcement operation conducted in the North West Province resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects for contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. The arrests formed part of Operation Prosper activities carried out between 8 and 12 June 2026 by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
According to SAPS, the 19 suspects are currently being processed through the courts before being deported to their respective countries of origin by the Department of Home Affairs. The arrests were among several outcomes achieved during coordinated operations conducted across the province during the week-long initiative.
Operations in the Bojanala District at Tlhatlhaganyane, near Sun City, and Abuscheng, near Hartbeespoort Dam, also led to the discovery and seizure of abandoned items. Authorities confiscated two generators, electrical cables, steel balls, chains, gold-bearing dust with an estimated value of R250,000, as well as a substantial quantity of liquor.
SAPS said the joint initiative demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to working in a coordinated and integrated manner to improve safety, maintain stability, and protect communities across the North West Province. The arrested suspects remain subject to legal processes before deportation proceedings are finalised.