More than 40 suspects were arrested during a six-day crackdown on illegal mining and related crimes across Gauteng, including operations in Orange Farms.
The arrests were made between August 8 and 13 as part of Operation Prosper, a multidisciplinary initiative targeting illegal mining hotspots in the province.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), suspects were arrested for offences related to illegal immigration and the unlawful possession of explosives.
Operations were carried out in Orange Farms in the Sedibeng District, Benoni, Van Ryn and the Primrose/Makause informal settlement in Ekurhuleni, as well as Langlaagte in Johannesburg.
Police also seized equipment believed to be used for illegal mining, including water pumps, spades, phendukas, gas bottles, generators and explosives.
Operation Prosper brings together SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders in efforts to combat illegal mining and associated criminal activity.
Police said intelligence-driven operations would continue at identified illegal mining hotspots across Gauteng.
