Gauteng Police Arrest 30 Illegal Miners in Benoni During Operation O Kae Molao
- The police have arrested 30 zama zamas in Benoni says Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo
- During Operation O Kae Molao, the alleged illegal miners were found with tools used for mining and explosives
- South Africans weighed in on the recent zama zamas arrests on social media and how Mzansi is affected by these criminal activities
Source: UGC
BENONI - The police arrested 30 illegal miners on Thursday, 1 September, during Operation O Kae Molao in Benoni. The suspects are between 13 and 54 years old, and they will be checked by the Department of Home Affairs to verify if they are illegal immigrants, reported Times Live.
According to The Citizen, Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said the police destroyed the zama zamas' criminal working structures and secret living places.
“The suspects will be charged under legislation related to illegal mining activities and illegal possession of explosives, among other crimes.”
Masondo said there is a collaborative effort in the province to find suspected criminals headed by Gauteng community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko and Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
"More than 1050 people who have been on the run after committing crime that includes gender-based violence were traced and arrested."
Here are some comments from South Africans:
@INHLEKELELE1 shared:
"People in townships live with foreigners who replaced them at work for cheap labour. Who do you think they view as an enemy? They live with Zama zamas who kill. Do you think they will see zama zama bosses as the enemy?"
@ViviMpikashe wrote:
"Self-created poverty in Africa has driven millions into utter desperation like resorting to zama zamas & child labour or prostitution."
Illegal Mining: Hawks nab 48 Zama Zamas in sting operation focused on mining communities in Limpopo
In a report by Briefly News, the Hawks arrested 48 illegal miners in an extensive sting operation targeting various mining communities in the Sekhukhune and Waterberg areas of Limpopo. Among those arrested were 38 undocumented immigrants.
The zama zamas were arrested in mining communities Apel, Atok and Northam. The sting operation also led to the seizure of mining equipment, including heavy-duty vehicles.
Source: Briefly News
