Tourism in Pilgrim's Rest has been devastated by illegal mining activities. Image: Wikimedia CommonsMpumalanga police have made multiple arrests in separate operations targeting illegal mining and undocumented immigration. SEVEN NABBED IN PILGRIM’S REST CRACKDOWNOn Saturday, 20 September 2025, a multidisciplinary police team raided Pilgrim’s Rest, arresting seven suspects aged 15 to 43. Authorities said the move is part of a wider push to safeguard public safety and crack down on illegal mining networks. Illegal mining continues to devastate communities, especially heritage towns like Pilgrim’s Rest.