EVANDER – Police arrested about 46 illegal miners during a police operation on Friday, 14 October.
Secunda K9, Evander Police and mine security were involved and the operation came about after a large number of illegal miners invaded a new area between Evander and eMbalenhle in the past weeks.
The Zama-zamas (illegal miners) did not try to hide their illegal activities anymore and began to mine during the day as well.
Road users raised their concerns regarding their safety.
“We are glad that the police have finally attended to the matter, because it was begging to be unsafe for us,” said a motorist.
“The illegal miners have a reputation of violence and hitchhike during the night to get to where they can conduct illegal mining.”
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, police spokesman, said all those arrested are Lesotho foreign nationals between 18 and 38 years old.
The police also confiscated various tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels and pickaxes and gold bearing material.
The men will appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
