The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to intensify disruptive operations targeting illegal mining activities in the areas of Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop, and Ngodwane. These coordinated operations, conducted between 7 April 2026 and 11 April 2026, have resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illicit mining equipment.
On Tuesday, 7 April 2026, an operation conducted at Majaks Village in Pilgrim’s Rest led to the arrest of eight suspects aged between 19 and 41. The suspects were charged with possession of gold-bearing material (GBM), possession of gold-bearing equipment (GBE), and Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. The suspects appeared in court on 8 April 2026.
On Wednesday, 8 April 2026, an operation in Sabie resulted in the arrest of four (4) undocumented foreign nationals aged between 25 and 36. They face charges of possession of GBM and GBE.
During the operation, GBM and GBE were seized. A fine notice was also issued for a Contravention of the Road Traffic Act.
In a related operation conducted at Louise Creek, police seized additional GBE, including a generator. All items were seized.
On Thursday, 9 April 2026, operations in Sabie led to the arrest of one (1) undocumented foreign national, who faces charges of possession of GBM and GBE.
The operation was subsequently extended to Majaks Village in Pilgrim’s Rest, where eight undocumented foreign nationals aged between 19 and 46 were arrested. They face similar charges of possession of GBM and GBE. Equipment believed to be used for illegal mining activities was also confiscated.
On Friday, 10 April 2026, a disruptive operation conducted in the Ngodwane area (Mashobodo) resulted in the arrest of two (2) undocumented foreign nationals aged between 21 and 23. They face charges relating to the Contraventions of the Liquor Act. During the operation, a significant quantity of illegal mining equipment, including generators and jackhammers, was seized.
On Saturday, 11 April 2026, a further operation at Majaks Village in Pilgrim’s Rest led to the arrest of eleven (11) suspects believed to be undocumented foreign nationals. They face charges of possession of GBM and GBE. Various items of equipment were also seized. The suspects are expected to appear in the local Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 April 2026.
Police remain committed to combating illegal mining activities and ensuring that those involved are brought to justice. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station.
Police target illegal mining activities in the areas of Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop, and Ngodwane. https://t.co/QMfobk8Qnf#ArriveAlive #Crime #IllegalMining @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/xa6w4fVAcj
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 13, 2026
