Paperwork delays case against 7 SAPS officers accused of extorting zama zama
Zama zama ballistics case stalls again as the State fails to produce the docket in court.
The JMPD Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU) arrested seven SAPS officers on October 24, 2025, for allegedly extorting and kidnapping an illegal miner (zama zama) found in possession of gold-refining materials and gold-bearing soil.
The incident unfolded when the officers reportedly demanded R5 000 from the miner, which they later increased to R30 000.
The illegal mining case was postponed for a fourth time on June 25 after the State appeared in court without a charge sheet or docket, leaving all seven accused and the defence without key documents.
All seven accused were present in court. Defence attorney Nastasja Otrebski was also back in court.
Central to the case is a ballistic and forensic laboratory report on gold-bearing sand found in the accused’s possession.
The prosecution told the court it had phoned the investigating officer (IO) to request a postponement.
The State admitted it was not yet in possession of the charge sheet or the full docket.
“The State is in disarray,” the Magistrate said, adding that the prosecution had asked for a postponement to get its affairs in order.
Shortly after, the prosecution informed the court it had located the docket and that investigations were completed. However, the defence still requires time for disclosure.
Advocate Otrebsky said the defence needs the full, completed charge sheet before the matter can proceed.
The Magistrate confirmed that proper disclosure must include the docket, a completed charge sheet, and all evidence, including the forensic lab report on the gold-bearing sand.
The court granted a postponement to allow the State to finalise the original charge sheet and provide full disclosure to the defence.
The matter was then postponed to July 20 for disclosure and a hearing.
The delay means the ballistic and forensic findings on the sand will remain off the record until the State completes its paperwork.
ALSO READ: Magistrate delays case of seven SAPS officers over pending ballistic and precious metal reports
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