Three Suspected Zama Zamas Arrested as Tensions Flare in Bapong
- Tensions flared in Bapong after police arrested at least three suspected illegal miners found in possession of large quantities of chrome
- Frustrated residents said the arrested individuals allegedly were simply collecting leftover to support their families
- Police also seized and removed more than ten excavators and other heavy mining equipment from the sites
Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Twitter
Tensions rose in Bapong after police arrested at least three suspected illegal miners with large quantities of chrome in a community already burdened by illicit mining.
Illegal miners arrested
Frustrated residents claim the arrested individuals were simply collecting leftover ore to support their families. One community member insisted the suspects had done nothing wrong and called for their immediate release.
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Police have arrested at least 13 people in recent weeks and have seized and removed more than ten excavators along with other heavy mining equipment from the affected sites. Illegal mining, often linked to zama zamas, has long been a persistent problem in the North West province.
Tolerate illegal mining
Heavy machinery has damaged homes, weakened roads, and left several properties at risk of collapsing into sinkholes. Armed groups are reportedly guarding many illegal mining sites, some of which are located in residential yards, leaving communities living in fear. Addressing the rising tensions, Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said authorities understand the concerns of residents but cannot tolerate illegal mining. He said police remain focused on protecting communities and enforcing the law, warning that those involved in illicit activities will face the full consequences.
In Stilfontein, several miners were trapped following the collapse of shafts, prompting urgent and complex rescue operations. As of 19 December, authorities reported that five illegal miners remain trapped underground in Bapong after a shaft caved in. Rescue efforts are ongoing but are being hampered by unstable ground conditions. The Bapong community has called for the formalisation of small-scale mining to create safer livelihoods and reduce illegal operations.
Source: Getty Images
Other stories about illegal miners
Police in Mpumalanga have arrested close to 1,000 illegal miners at a mine in Barberton. According to the South African Police Service, the zama zamas were illegally operating at the Sheba Gold Mine. Most of them are understood to be undocumented foreign nationals. They were nabbed as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, which is aimed at combating illegal mining activities. According to Provincial Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the men will be charged with the contravention of the Immigration Act. Mdhluli also explained that police saw that the mine was operational and realised that there were people illegally mining in the area, which led to the operation being carried out.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni attempted to drown out the noise over her recent remarks with a glaring post. Ntshavheni was heavily criticised for making controversial comments at a briefing. While discussing the outcomes of the cabinet meeting held a week earlier, she stressed that no help would find criminals as about 4,000 starving zama zamas remain underground at the Stilfontein Gold Mine in Klerksdorp, North-West.
Decomposed illegal miner's body recovered
In related news, Briefly News reported that police recovered the decomposed body of an illegal miner at the Stilfontein mine on 14 November.
Three illegal miners resurfaced alive on the same day, while police have opened an inquest into the only confirmed death so far.
Source: Briefly News
