MOKOPANE – The body of a Lesotho national, believed to be a Zama-zama, was successfully retrieved from a shallow grave at the Zwartkrans Mine near Makapan’s Valley in Mokopane.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the body was retrieved already in a decomposing state on February 13 at an illegal mining hotspot and was found covered with large rocks.

“Members of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Waterberg District were conducting disruptive operations when they received information about a body buried in a shallow grave at an illegal mining shaft. Search and rescue teams were activated upon arrival and the retrieval operation commenced the following day using relevant equipment and other resources,” his statement read.

Ledwaba says the operation concluded yesterday afternoon due to heavy rainfall in the area.

“An inquest docket has been opened in the meantime and the circumstances surrounding the death are still under police investigation. The identity of the deceased will be disclosed in due course,” he said.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned illegal mining activity, highlighting that it is not only unlawful, but also highly dangerous.

She has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter and appealed to the community to provide any information regarding illegal mining activities in the area.