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, later increasing the amount to R30 000.

The illegal mining case was postponed for a fifth time on July 21 after the State once again appeared in court without a charge sheet or docket, leaving all seven accused and the defence without key documents for the second time.

Central to the case is a ballistic and forensic laboratory report on gold-bearing sand found in the accused’s possession.

The State admitted it was not yet in possession of the charge sheet or the full docket since the last appearance on June 25.

“The State seems to have done no work regarding this case,” Magistrate Mashitse said, adding that the prosecution had asked for a postponement to get its affairs in order.

During proceedings, prosecuting attorney Mr Mokhachane informed the court that the matter was on the roll for copies of the docket and requested that the defence reapply to retrieve the copies.

The prosecution further requested a remand for both parties to obtain the copies of the charge sheet and docket.
The court confirmed the arrangement and was forced to postpone the matter.

Magistrate Matshitse postponed the case to August 25 to allow for the production of copies of the docket and for all forensic reports to be in the prosecution’s possession.

All accused had their bail extended.

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