Ten suspected illegal miners arrested in Westonaria after AK-47 seizure

Ten men, suspected to be illegal miners and foreign nationals, were among eleven people arrested in Westonaria on Wednesday after police and mine security officers discovered an AK-47 rifle, four pistols, and large quantities of ammunition.

The arrests followed a joint operation between mine security officers and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Ten males who are foreign nationals, also suspected to be illegal miners were arrested in Westonaria on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, after they were found with an AK-47, four pistols and scores of ammunition,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

The eleventh suspect, a South African citizen, was arrested for harbouring illegal immigrants and “defeating the ends of justice,” Masondo added.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the suspects were tenants of this South African male.

The firearms seized will undergo ballistic tests to determine if they were used in other crimes, including the Bekkersdal shooting on 21 December 2025.

All eleven suspects are expected to appear in Westonaria Magistrate Court on Monday, 29 December 2025.

They face multiple charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, illegal immigration, harbouring illegal immigrants, and defeating the ends of justice.

IOL News