More than 1 000 illegal miners (colloquially known as zama zamas) have been arrested across the Lowveld over the past two months in the SAPS’s Operation Vala Umgodi.

According to the provincial police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane, while some are South Africans, most are undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Areas known for illegal mining are Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie, Barberton, Graskop, Schoemanskloof and Low’s Creek.

“During these arrests, we found some South Africans working with the miners. In most cases, the suspects claim not to know one another, even if they come from the same country. They often refuse to tell us who they are working for and how much they are being paid,” Nonyane told Lowvelder.

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Over the past two months, various Mpumalanga courts have convicted and sentenced some of the accused to between three months and three years behind bars. Others were deported to their home countries.

Nonyane said this is encouraging to the officers who are working tirelessly to curb this illegal activity.

“The success of these arrests is because of the collaboration between the police, security companies, civil organisations and community members. The Department of Home Affairs also plays a major role in determining the status of suspects and their countries of origin, while the National Prosecuting Authority ensures they are prosecuted,” said Nonyane.

In order to curb illegal mining, the SAPS is calling on community members to anonymously report illegal miners by calling the Crime Stop toll-free number on 08600 10111. Information can also be shared via the My SAPS app.

“We know some of these illegal miners are renting rooms in townships. There are people transporting them to shafts at night and collecting them in exchange for money. Our intelligence operators are on the ground and we will arrest and prosecute those who are caught in the act,” she said.

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The public needs to be aware they will be affected when fights erupt among the zama zamas because they are often armed. For their own safety, they need to to stop accommodating these criminals and instead report them as soon as they suspect they are involved in any mining activities.

According to Nonyane, some of these miners are heavily armed with rifles and other firearms.

“It makes the job of the police and their collaborators very challenging. We have been fortunate so far as no shooting has occurred, but we have confiscated ammunition and firearms. Some zama zamas disappear into mine shafts which have been left abandoned and dilapidated, posing a safety risk to police officers. These arrests are extremely challenging,”
Nonyane said.

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The commander of Operation Vala Umgodi, Colonel Edwin Peterson, commended operational commander Lieutenant Colonel Themba Nkuna and the rest of the team for their dedication.

He promised they would not stop fighting illegal mining in the Lowveld and thanked other role players for ensuring justice is upheld.

Members of the Lowveld Farm Watch (LFW) have expressed their distress over illegal mining as it is damaging the natural habitat in the Schoemanskloof and Montrose areas. They add that many lives have been lost at the hands of these miners and they want it to stop.

“Illegal miners operating near these two areas are causing significant damage to the Lowveld bush and contaminating water streams with hazardous chemicals. Despite the authorities’ efforts over the past two years, they have been unable to halt this destruction,” they said.

LFW added that in addition to the loss of life, the situation has led to robbery and intimidation of villagers as well as increased criminal activity in the farming area, including petty theft, livestock theft and threats to farmers assisting the police.

“It’s concerning that this situation persists. One wonders when an end to this will be possible.”