1 300 suspects arrested during Operation Prosper: SANDF
Close to 1 300 suspects have been arrested around the country since last month in Operation Prosper.
The arrests are related to the possession of 30 illegal firearms, drugs and gold-bearing material.
The operation follows the deployment of soldiers to assist police to combat gang violence, extortion and illegal mining in the country’s five provinces.
South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Spokesperson Mpho Mathebula says, “The SAPS and SANDF remain committed to working alongside other law enforcement and government stakeholders to ensure that criminal networks are disrupted, offenders are brought to justice and communities are made safer.”
Mathebula says, “As the operation progresses into its next phase, the operational tempo will intensify, and deployed members will maintain the application of sustained pressure on criminal elements operating within affected areas.”
#sapsHQ [OPERATION PROSPER NETS 1 287 SUSPECTS DURING MAY 2026] #OperationProsper
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) continue to intensify efforts aimed at disrupting and dismantling organised criminal networks involved… pic.twitter.com/2iDSzMfEm4
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) June 5, 2026