14 Mozambican Illegal Miners (Zama Zamas) Arrested After Resurfacing at Midnight in Attempt to Evade Police
The South African Republic Police SAPS has arrested fourteen illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas.
The 14 illegal miners who have been confirmed to be all Mozambican nationals were apprehended after emerging from Shaft 10 at the Stilfontein mine just after midnight, Zimoja reveals.
Zama Zamas Attempt to Evade Police
National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, explained that the miners resurfaced under the cover of night, likely believing the authorities had dispersed.
“They emerged late at night, thinking that the police were no longer present. Some of the miners attempted to flee back into the shaft upon spotting the police, but all 14 were apprehended,” Mathe said.
Police managed to arrest the group, and an immediate assessment was conducted.
Inspector Mathe confirmed that some miners required medical attention, which was provided at the scene. The arrested individuals were processed and detained as part of an ongoing operation aimed at addressing illegal mining activities in the region.
Miners Describe Harsh Conditions Underground
During interviews with the police, the illegal miners shared disturbing details about their conditions. They reported that heavily armed men inside the shafts were withholding food and water supplies.
“They told us that the food and water were being confiscated by these armed men, who are keeping it for themselves to continue the illegal mining operations,” Mathe told SABC News.
Further reports from the miners indicated that they had been recruited from Tembisa, Gauteng, and many of them were desperate for employment.
Among the arrested individuals was a 14-year-old boy, who explained that he joined the illegal mining operation due to his parents’ unemployment. The miners also revealed that when they were brought to Stilfontein in May, they were told very little about the nature of the work, only that it involved mining.
Operation Continues as Police Urge Miners to Resurface
The arrests come after a call from the Operation Vala Umgodi Task Team and community leaders in Stilfontein, urging illegal miners still underground to comply with police orders to resurface. Police continue their operations to bring an end to illegal mining in the area, focusing on ensuring the safety of those involved and dismantling the criminal networks that facilitate such activities.
Authorities Maintain Pressure on Illegal Mining Activities
While the immediate operation has been successful in apprehending the miners, the authorities are determined to continue their efforts to curb the rise of illegal mining in the area. The police have warned that those involved in illegal mining face serious legal consequences, with operations continuing in an attempt to clear the area of such activity.