A 65-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly using his bedroom as an entry point to a mineshaft at the Khuseleka mine in North West. The arrest took place following a police operation targeting illegal mining activities in the region.
Between Friday, 6 September, and Saturday, 7 September 2024, eight additional suspects, aged between 16 and 45, were apprehended. The group of illegal miners, commonly known as zama-zamas, had initially attempted to evade arrest by hiding underground when police officers approached the house in Tlhabane, which they were using to access the Khuseleka mine shaft.
According to authorities, the suspects had spotted the police entering the house on Thursday, 5 September 2024, prompting them to remain hidden underground in an attempt to avoid capture. However, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful as they were forced to surrender after spending hours in the mineshaft.
The raid at the Tlhabane house uncovered a sophisticated setup that allowed illegal miners easy access to the mine. Police have expressed concern over the extent of the operation, noting that the suspects had transformed a bedroom into a concealed entryway, creating a dangerous and illegal point of access to the mine.
The suspects, who are believed to be part of a larger network of illegal miners operating in the area, are now facing serious charges related to illegal mining and trespassing. Out of the 10 suspects arrested, four are South Africans, while the remaining six are foreign nationals, raising concerns about the involvement of undocumented individuals in illegal mining operations in the region.
The arrests come amid growing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the North West province, which have been linked to a range of criminal activities, including gang violence and environmental degradation. Zama-zamas often operate under perilous conditions, risking their lives and causing significant harm to legal mining operations.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone emphasized the dangers posed by illegal mining, stating that these activities not only threaten the safety of the miners themselves but also undermine the mining industry, which is a critical component of the South African economy. Mokgwabone added that law enforcement agencies are committed to intensifying their efforts to combat illegal mining and bring those involved to justice.
The 10 suspects are expected to make their first court appearance at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 September 2024. They will face charges related to illegal mining, trespassing, and other associated offenses.
Authorities have urged community members to report any suspicious activities linked to illegal mining operations, highlighting the severe consequences these activities have on both local communities and the broader economy. The police have also warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used for illegal mining, as they too could face legal repercussions.
The arrests at Khuseleka mine underscore the ongoing battle against illegal mining in South Africa, where zama-zamas continue to pose a significant challenge for law enforcement. With the suspects now facing legal action, the authorities hope to send a strong message that illegal mining will not be tolerated.