Waterval Boven – This past weekend, five illegal miners were arrested in Slaaihoek, located near Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga. They are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday, (23 December 2024).

The unlawful miners, often known as Zama Zamas, range in age from 28 to 42 and were apprehended on Saturday, (21 December 2024), by a multi-disciplinary team that included the South African National Defence Force.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the suspects are facing several charges related to illegal mining activities as well as breaches of the South African Immigration Act.

Brigadier Mdhluli indicated that various items and mining equipment were seized during the operation.

“The officers confiscated equipment including generators, a gas cylinder, a gas regulator, numerous gas pipes, and other tools,” Brigadier Mdhluli elaborated.