Sixteen people were arrested during an operation against zama zamas at several illegal mining sites in Pilgrim’s Rest earlier today, September 6.
The operation was led by the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, along with the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi. It followed a visit to the area by Macie and Mkhwanazi two weeks ago.
It is unacceptable that the history of Pilgrim’s Rest is hijacked by illegal miners from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, who are terrorising communities in the area.
Members of security clusters such as the SAPS and South African National Defence Force were also part of the operation.
“I have said previously that criminals cannot be armed over the state, therefore this operation will continue until our people are safe from these criminals. Pilgrim’s Rest is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in our province and the safety of tourists cannot be compromised. It is unacceptable that the history of Pilgrim’s Rest is hijacked by illegal miners from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, who are terrorising communities in the area,” said Ndlovu.
He added that the operation is also a depiction of Mpumalanga becoming a government that arrests without fear.
“We are dealing with mining mafias and these crimes deter economic growth. We want investors to invest in our province so that we remain the destination of choice,” Ndlovu said.
Equipment used by zama zamas was also confiscated during the operation.
