Six zama zamas were arrested by police on Friday near Magaliesburg.
Police said the illegal miners were arrested at Protea mine in Blaauwbank during a joint operation conducted by SAPS Magaliesburg and search and rescue K9 units.
Responding to a complaint, police apprehended the suspects who fled on foot when they arrived. Four rifles and 343 rounds of ammunition were recovered, along with mining equipment, including generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel.