117 Zama-Zamas arrested
117 Illegal miners appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 16 July to face charges of illegal mining and trespassing.
EVANDER – Residents applauded the local police for arresting 117 illegal miners on Tuesday,15 July.
They said the increase in illegal miners who were mostly dressed in the Basotho traditional attire, was becoming a serious concern and threat to them.
The illegal miners were arrested after police were tipped-off about a gang and after Mr Sanele Mokane (18), an illegal miner, was shot and killed on Friday, 11 July at the Winkelhaak Mine.
Five other illegal miners are fighting for their lives at the Evander Hospital after they were also shot.
It is alleged that Mr Mokane was shot by a rival group after a squabble broke out while they were involved in illegal mining.
The police operation which led to the arrest of the illegal miners began in the early hours on Tuesday, included various specialised units such as the Evander Police, the bomb squad, the Tactical Reaction Team, the Public Order Policing, Crime Intelligence, K9, Air Wing and the National Intervention Unit.
Residents said that if the police could mobilise more such operations, crime will be reduced in the area.
“I have never seen such a police operation in my life, there were helicopters, police dogs and police vehicles all over the place.
“We thank the police for doing such a good job.
The suspects briefly appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 16 July and the case was posted to 21 and 22 July for further investigation.
They are facing charges of illegal mining and trespassing.
Those guyz I thout tht since they arrestet they will stop doing illigal minenig but they ar doing it again on tuesday I toke a wall around six the i saw that they ar going the again they will not stop neh