16 Pilgrim’s Rest alleged zama zamas arrested
An unannounced visit to a quaint tourist town by Mpumalanga’s MEC for community safety, security and liaison resulted in suspected illegal miners being arrested and their equipment being destroyed.
Sixteen people were arrested at several illegal mining sites in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, yesterday.
The operation, led by Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu; the MEC for community safety, security and liaison Jackie Macie; and the acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, followed a visit to the area by Macie and Mkhwanazi two weeks ago.
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,” says Ndlovu.
“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,” he adds.
Equipment used by the zama zamas was confiscated during the operation.
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