The police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the murders that occurred at an illegal mining operation in Witrantjie, near Mogwase, North West.

Police say they acted on information received regarding suspects travelling on a minibus taxi along the R565 Road linking Boshoek and Phokeng.

Seven men and two women were arrested.

Police spokesperson warrant officer Ofentse Mokgadi says the suspects will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their immigration status.

“Preliminary investigations have allegedly linked three of the suspects to the fatal stabbing of a Lesotho male reported on Friday, 3 July 2026. In an alleged retaliation attack, another Lesotho male was shot dead and his body was discovered in a mining pit with multiple gunshot wounds on Saturday morning, 4 July 2026 also in Witrantjie. The remaining six individuals will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their immigration status. Investigations are ongoing, and additional arrests cannot be ruled out.”

#sapsNW [POLICE ARREST NINE SUSPECTS FOLLOWING MURDERS LINKED TO ILLEGAL MINING]

An intelligence-driven operation conducted by #SAPS Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, with the support of Sun City and Phokeng Visible Policing, led to the arrest of nine Lesotho migrants in connection… pic.twitter.com/cb3MSvaG03

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) July 5, 2026

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