A tense confrontation between police and suspected illegal miners in Sabie, Mpumalanga, resulted in the deaths of three zama zamas on Thursday night. The incident unfolded during routine patrols near the New Village mining shaft, according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhuli.
Brigadier Mdhuli detailed the events: "The report indicates that the miners fired shots at the police from different directions, resulting in the injury of a warrant officer from the K9 Unit who was shot in the leg.
"In response, the law enforcement officers fired back and it was during this period that three alleged miners were fatally shot. Two AK-47 rifles as well as approximately 500 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 rifles were recovered at the crime scene. The injured member was taken to the hospital for medical treatment," he stated.
The police are investigating a case of attempted murder against the zama zamas involved in the shooting of the K9 unit officer. Brigadier Mdhuli added: "The Independent Police Investigative Directorate will lead the investigation concerning the circumstances surrounding this incident."
Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers: "From what has been collected at the crime scene, one can see that we are dealing with a serious situation whereby alleged illegal miners mean business. It is crucial that our members remain watchful at all times."
This statement underscores the escalating threat posed by organised illegal mining activities.
In a separate but related development, the High Court in Mahikeng, North West, has granted a preservation order against an illegal mining operation linked to the theft of platinum group materials (PGMs) valued at R350 million. This significant legal action follows an investigation launched in November 2023 by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) in Rustenburg, prompted by a report from Impala Platinum Mine.
NPA spokesman Sivenathi Gunya explained the court’s decision: “The PGM weighed approximately 6 500 metric tons with an estimated value of R350 million. A Mercedes-Benz Vito was one of the proceeds of unlawful activities and or instrumentalities of an offence of illegal mining referred to in Schedule 1 to the POCA," he said. The seizure of the PGMs and the Mercedes-Benz Vito followed the arrest of several suspects, who were later released on bail. Their case has been adjourned until 25 January 2025.
The NPA's application to the court emphasised the severe threat posed by illegal mining to the South African economy and national security. Mr Gunya stated: “The NPA presented to the court that illegal mining poses a serious risk to the sustainability of the mining industry. It also presents a significant threat to national security, infrastructure, and economic security.” The court's decision reflects a determination to combat this serious crime.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West welcomed the court order, praising the collaborative efforts that led to this success. The preservation order sends a clear message that illegal mining will not be tolerated and that those involved will face the full force of the law. The ongoing situation in Stilfontein, North West, further illustrates the scale of the problem.
Six more illegal miners have emerged from a shaft there, while others remain underground fearing arrest. Over 1300 zama zamas have already been apprehended, many of whom are foreign nationals. The combined events in Mpumalanga and North West highlight the multifaceted nature of the challenge posed by illegal mining in South Africa.
