By OBAKENG MAJE
28 August 2026 – Three suspects were arrested by the police in Rustenburg in collaboration with the Operation Prosper team during an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected illegal buyers and receivers of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) originating from an illegal mining site at Nkaneng. The police said the operation was conducted on 26 August 2026, following a tip-off regarding a suspected receiver of PGM-bearing material operating in the Rustenburg area.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the intelligence indicated that the suspect, who is allegedly based in Pretoria, had employed a buyer to receive PGM material in bulk. Morake said further intelligence identified a stockpile of PGM-bearing material at an address in the Rustenburg area, as well as vehicles allegedly involved in transporting the material from the Nkaneng illegal mining site.
“The intelligence-driven team identified a white Nissan NP300 with Gauteng registration travelling along the R24 road. The vehicle was followed to an identified address, where three suspects were found in possession of PGM-bearing material, with additional material still inside the vehicle.
“The suspects were requested to produce the required permit or authorisation for the material in their possession but failed to do so,” she said.
Morake further said they were subsequently arrested for possession of unwrought precious metals without the relevant licence or authority or in excess of the prescribed mass. She added that the police seized the Nissan NP300 and three 10kg sacks containing PGM-bearing material with an estimated value of R130 000.
“A further stockpile of PGM-bearing material, estimated at approximately R3 million, remains at the identified premises under police guard pending further processing.
“The cellphones allegedly belonging to the receiver and suspected ring leader were also obtained from the suspects for further profiling and investigation,” said Morake.
She said the investigation continues and further arrests cannot be ruled out. Morake said the three suspects aged between 25 to 39, are facing charges of for possession of PGM-bearing material.
“They remain in police custody and are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate Court on 28 August 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said this operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven policing and their continued commitment to disrupting the criminal networks that support illegal mining activities. Adams said they will not only focus on those operating at illegal mining sites, but will also pursue the individuals who facilitate, finance, transport and receive unlawfully obtained precious metals.
“Our message is clear, those who profit from illegal mining and the associated criminal activities will be pursued and brought before the courts,” he said.
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