Police in Mpumalanga have arrested several suspects and issued multiple fines during ongoing disruptive operations targeting illicit mining activities in Pilgrim’s Rest and surrounding areas.

The operations took place in Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie and Graskop over the recent festive period.

During an operation conducted between Sabie and Graskop on Thursday, 2 April 2026, police arrested 22 undocumented foreign nationals aged between 18 and 53. The suspects are facing charges for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa and were expected to appear before the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.

In the same operation, four fines were issued for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act, while two additional fines were issued for violations of the Liquor Act.

A second disruptive operation was conducted on Saturday, 4 April 2026, in Pilgrim’s Rest, including the Newscom and Majaks areas. Seven undocumented foreign nationals aged between 19 and 43 were arrested. The suspects face charges of possession of gold-bearing material, possession of gold-bearing equipment and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Police also seized several items believed to have been used in illicit mining operations, including gold-bearing material, pendukas and other mining equipment. The suspects were also expected to appear in a local magistrate’s court on Tuesday, 7 April.

Further operations carried out between Sunday and Monday, 5–6 April 2026, in Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest resulted in the arrest of three more undocumented foreign nationals aged between 26 and 46. They also face charges related to contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Additionally, six fines were issued for violations of the National Road Traffic Act during these operations.

Police say the operations form part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and associated criminal activities in the province.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying operations in affected areas to curb illicit mining networks and restore law and order.