EL_Thinga

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OPERATION PROSPER DISRUPTS ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES IN KAGISO AND RIETVALLEI @SANDF_ZA Under the SANDF Operation PROSPER, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), operating in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), conducted coordinated operations in Rietvallei and Kagiso on Friday, 13 March 2026. The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and dismantle the criminal economy associated with these activities. Acting on intelligence, SAPS and SANDF members conducted targeted operations in the identified communities with significant successes, which include the arrest of suspects and seizure of equipment commonly used in illegal mining activities worth an estimated R400 000. Illegal mining operations rely heavily on specialised equipment and logistical support networks. By confiscating tools, machinery and supporting infrastructure, joint SANDF and SAPS operations significantly disrupt the ability of criminal syndicates to continue their activities. The importance of seeing Police and SANDF members descending on criminal networks within communities cannot be understated. Although some suspects attempted to evade arrest by scattering into nearby fields and climbing trees and pylons, resulting in not all criminal suspects being apprehended, the operation achieved significant success in disrupting illegal activities. Members of the local community also expressed appreciation for the visible presence and decisive action of the security forces. Many residents welcomed the intervention, recognising it as an important step toward improving safety and restoring stability in their communities.