JMPD
By Mpho Moloi – In a major blow to illegal mining syndicates, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) K9 unit, alongside the Hawks and two private security companies, raided a clandestine gold refinery in Booysens on Tuesday morning. The facility, which held legal registration for processing precious metals, was allegedly operating as a key hub for refining gold-bearing material from unlawful mining activities. Four suspects were arrested on site, and authorities confiscated processed gold and materials valued at R1 million. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle the full value chain of illegal mining, which continues to plague Gauteng and drain the economy through theft and infrastructure damage.
The raid follows weeks of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, highlighting the sophisticated networks behind zama zama operations. As South Africa grapples with rising illegal mining incidents – linked to over R20 billion in annual losses for the industry – this bust signals a ramped-up response from law enforcement to target not just miners but also processing and distribution points.
Details of the Booysens Raid
The multi-agency team stormed the industrial site in Booysens, south-west of Johannesburg, early on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla explained that while the refinery was registered to handle precious metals legally, investigations revealed it was illegally processing gold for zama zamas – informal miners who often operate in dangerous, abandoned shafts.
“This joint operation sends a clear message: the JMPD, alongside the Hawks, is aggressively targeting the entire value chain of illegal mining,” said JMPD Acting Chief Eldred Fortein. “We are not just focusing on the individuals underground, but on the sophisticated, illegitimate infrastructure, like this refinery, that enables illegal miners to operate. We will continue to disrupt these criminal networks that threaten the safety and economic stability of our city.”
Video footage from the scene shows officers securing the area, with seized materials including bags of gold-bearing ore and refined products. The facility has been shut down pending further probes, with potential for permanent closure if violations are confirmed.
Arrests and Charges: Bribery Attempt Foiled
Four individuals were detained during the raid: three suspected illegal miners (two males and one female) and the male manager of the refinery. They face charges under the Precious Metals Act for possession and dealing in precious metals without proper authorisation.
In a dramatic twist, the suspects allegedly tried to bribe officials with R20,000 for their release, leading to additional bribery charges. “The suspects have been formally charged with the contravention of the Precious Metals Act, for possession and dealing in precious metals, and bribery after they attempted to bribe the officials with R20,000 for their release,” Fihla confirmed.
The accused are expected to appear in court soon, where prosecutors will seek to link them to broader syndicates. This follows a pattern of arrests in Gauteng, where illegal mining has surged, often involving foreign nationals and local enablers.
Seized Items and Economic Impact
Authorities recovered gold-bearing material and processed gold estimated at R1 million in street value. These seizures disrupt the illicit supply chain, where raw ore from disused mines is refined and sold on black markets, often exported illegally.
Illegal mining costs South Africa billions annually through lost revenue, damaged infrastructure, and environmental harm. In Gauteng alone, zama zama activities have led to over 100 deaths in 2025 from shaft collapses and gang violence. The Booysens refinery bust is part of a wider crackdown, following similar operations like the recent interception of a police vehicle carrying unrefined gold on 22 October 2025, where seven SAPS officers were arrested for extortion.
Broader Context: Escalating Fight Against Illegal Mining
This raid aligns with national efforts to combat illegal mining, dubbed “zama zama” operations, which have intensified in recent years. Gauteng remains a hotspot due to its abandoned gold mines, attracting syndicates from across borders. The Hawks and JMPD have ramped up joint operations, seizing weapons, explosives, and contraband in areas like West Rand and Johannesburg’s inner city.
Experts note that processing hubs like the Booysens facility are crucial to the ecosystem, turning stolen ore into marketable gold. “By hitting these refineries, law enforcement is striking at the heart of the profit motive,” said mining analyst Dr. Sipho Nkosi. Recent stats show over 6,000 arrests for illegal mining in 2025, but syndicates adapt quickly, using corrupt officials and advanced tech.
The government has allocated R2 billion in the 2025 budget for mine rehabilitation and enforcement, but challenges like under-resourced policing persist. Community leaders in Booysens and nearby areas welcome the raid, hoping it reduces crime linked to mining gangs.
Next Steps: Court Appearances and Ongoing Investigations
The suspects will face magistrates soon, with the Hawks leading the probe into potential wider networks. The refinery’s legal status will be scrutinised, possibly leading to licence revocation.
Fihla urged the public to report suspicious activities via Crime Stop at 08600 10111. As investigations continue, this bust could uncover more links in the illegal gold trade, aiding efforts to secure South Africa’s mining heritage.
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