7 illegal mining suspects in court after Schoemanskloof violence

Community safety fears persist along the R539 following violent clashes between rival zama zama groups.

1 hour ago

Gia Radnai 2 minutes read

The nine suspected zama zamas after their arrest. Nelspruit Magistrate's Court. > Photo: Supplied/Mpumalanga SAPS

Seven of nine suspects arrested over illegal mining violence on the R539 Schoemanskloof Road appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on October 5.

ALSO READ: Schoemanskloof arrests: Police investigate immigration status of suspected illegal miners

The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, confirmed that the accused were charged with water pollution, unlawful water use, unlawfully and intentionally conducting mining operations, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Illegal mining equipment found at the scene. > Photo: Supplied/SAPS

The accused were identified as Simon Mhlanga (18), Samuel Sithole (19), Semon Mhlanga (19), Johan Luka Maphosa (19), Samuel Nyemunda (18), Zagaria Ingwayo (18) and Mathewu Mashaba (26).

Nyuswa confirmed that the other suspects did not appear as they are minors. The suspects were remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to October 19 for a specialised language interpreter to speak Sindawu.

Rival group violence

According to police, a multidisciplinary team under Operation Vala Umgodi was acting on intelligence which led to the arrests on October 3 in the Mashobodo area.

ALSO READ: Police arrest 9 suspected illegal miners following gunfire near Schoemanskloof

Despite the successful arrests, residents in the area remain concerned that illegal miners will resume their work after they are granted bail, and that violence between rival groups could persist.

The nine suspected zama zamas after their arrest. > Photo: Supplied/SAPS

The bodies of two suspected illegal miners were also found last week after ongoing exchanges of gunfire between rival groups. Police have confirmed that illegal mining violence has led to a total of eight bodies being discovered between August and October this year in the Ngodwana area.

ALSO READ: Schoemanskloof Road closed again after second body found amid illegal mining shoot-out

Call for military assistance

In addressing the issue, Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie visited the scene on Thursday with police to assess the seriousness of the violent crimes. In a media briefing at the scene, Macie told residents to ‘relax’ and said the situation was under control, noting that the chief commander of the SANDF had been asked to intervene.