The suspects made their first appearance in the Stilfontein Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

The 20 suspects were arrested on Monday in a joint operation between various law enforcement agencies after weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities.

The operation also seized 15 AK47s, six hunting rifles, two shotguns, and one R5, as well as boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says the 21st suspect was arrested later at his home in Stilfontein. 

"The suspect was seen in the footage collected during surveillance with his vehicle delivering goods at the shaft on several occasions. The vehicle was also seized.”

READ: Illegal mining ‘kingpins’ among 20 arrested in North West

The case was postponed to Tuesday for verification of addresses and immigration status.

Meanwhile, another 88 alleged illegal miners are set to make their first appearance in the same court on Wednesday.

The suspects were arrested in Orkney in October last year, where 11 firearms, ammunition, illegal mining paraphernalia, gold-bearing material and food were seized.

In a separate incident, Mogale says another three suspects were arrested on Tuesday while travelling in a taxi from Lesotho to Klerksdorp.

Mogale says the police were informed the suspects could be in possession of illegal firearms.