Gauteng police have arrested two suspects, aged 32 and 35, and recovered four unlicensed firearms and ammunition during an operation at Kloof Gold Mine Hostel in Westonaria.
It is reported that on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at approximately 16:00, Sibanye Protection Services received information about a group of armed illegal miners and requested assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Public
Order Policing (POP) unit and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
During the operation, two suspects were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and an R5 rifle, while two additional AK-47 rifles were found abandoned at the scene.
The following items were recovered during the operation: three AK-47 rifles, one R5 rifle, six magazines, 246 live rounds of ammunition and two Lesotho passports.
The two arrested suspects are Lesotho nationals and face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Both suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Police investigations are ongoing. The recovery of these firearms and ammunition forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and security partners to combat illegal mining and curb the proliferation of illegal firearms in Gauteng.
#GunsOffTheStreets