3 Lesotho Nationals Arrested After Police Recovered Stolen AK-47 Rifle

Three Lesotho nationals have been arrested in Westonaria, Gauteng, after police recovered a stolen rifle, live ammunition and 29 bags of suspected gold-bearing material during an intelligence-driven operation targeting illegal mining and related criminal activities.

The arrests were made on Monday, 9 November 2026, during Operation Karabo/Prosper, an integrated operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Sibanye Protection Services.

According to police, a 35-year-old Lesotho national was arrested after officers allegedly found him in possession of a rifle and 17 live rounds of ammunition.

Investigations reportedly revealed that the firearm had been stolen during a house robbery in Krugersdorp, raising further concerns about the movement of stolen weapons within criminal networks operating across the West Rand.

Two additional suspects, both aged 26 and believed to be Lesotho nationals, were also arrested during the operation.

One of the 26-year-old suspects faces charges relating to possession of ammunition and being in South Africa illegally. The second suspect was arrested for allegedly possessing suspected gold-bearing material and being in the country illegally.

Police also recovered 29 bags containing suspected gold-bearing material that had allegedly been abandoned at the scene.

The large-scale operation involved Tactical Response Teams from the West Rand, Johannesburg and Sedibeng, supported by the Drone Unit, Crime Intelligence and the West Rand District Intervention Team.

The coordinated deployment forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle illegal mining activities, disrupt criminal networks and recover dangerous weapons circulating in communities.

The recovery of the allegedly stolen firearm is particularly significant given the potential danger posed by weapons linked to violent crimes such as house robberies.

The three suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 where they will face the charges brought against them.

Police operations targeting illegal mining and associated criminal activities are expected to continue across the West Rand.

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