In a scene straight out of a movie, a 65-year-old man from North West has been arrested after allegedly allowing a group of zama zamas to use his bedroom as an entrance to a nearby mine shaft. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Nkandla informal settlement near the Khuseleka 1 mine, has left law enforcement officials stunned.
The man, who resides with his family, is accused of either using the hole in his bedroom floor or allowing others to use it as an entrance to the adjacent Khuseleka 1 mine.
"It is alleged that the homeowner (65) who resides with his family, used or allowed a group of men to utilise one of the bedrooms as an entrance to the nearby Khuseleka mine shaft," said police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani.
The arrest came after a tip-off led a joint team of Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team, and Rustenburg Public Safety to the man's home. Upon arrival, officers witnessed a group of men disappearing into the man-made hole in the bedroom, while two others, including the homeowner, were apprehended.
"Upon noticing the police, an unconfirmed number of men entered and disappeared into the man-made hole in the bedroom, while the other two including the owner of the house, were arrested," Funani explained.
With the assistance of the mine security team, some of the mine property and other equipment were found inside the house. A search for the remaining suspects is ongoing.
The 65-year-old man, along with his accomplice, faces charges of illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure, and possession of suspected stolen goods.
"The team received a tip-off and made the arrests. The homeowner, who lives with his family at the house is believed to have either used the hole in the room's floor or allowed others to use it, as an entrance to the nearby mine shaft," Funani said.
The arrest comes amidst a growing concern over illegal mining activities in the North West province. The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the team for their concerted efforts in addressing illegal mining activities.
"A search for other suspects is continuing. Eight more suspects were arrested for illegal mining between 6 and 7 September 2024. A total of ten suspects are expected to appear before Rustenburg Magistrate Court on Monday, 9 September," Funani added.
