Their illicit underground activities are filled with danger but zama zamas are lured by the prospect of earning easy money. Many are foreign nationals from as far afield as Zimbabwe and other neighbouring countries.
They enter South Africa illegally and navigate many treacherous obstacles to enter our borders.
Once here, the first order of business is to seek gainful employment in order to support themselves and send money to those they left behind.
For the many who are successful, there are countless others who fail and are left with no other alternative but to risk life and limb in the subterranean tunnels of the many disused mines in this country.
The discovery of a body wrapped in tarpaulin this morning in Avon Road, Riverlea, brings home the innumerable dangers these desperate men face underground.
The body included a note containing details of relatives to contact and eyewitnesses surmise that the body was left by fellow zama zamas who sought to evade arrest and had no alternative but to leave the remains of their fallen comrade.
Langlaagte police communications officer, Phumi Kraai said, “A docket of inquest has been opened. According to the information received, it is alleged that the unknown male may be one of the zama zamas.”
Ward councillor Basil Douglas said,”It is not the first body being found there. It is becoming untenable for Riverlea residents and also very traumatising for children going to school.
“The area has different nationalities waging open warfare here with automatic weapons.”
“Smelting of gold ore is done in broad daylight and one doesn’t hear of any arrests. CRG Mines should also come to the party and take responsibility and get the army in to protect their property.”
Kraai further indicated that the deceased was an unknown black male who suffered a fractured skull. Investigations into his death are ongoing and further information will be provided as soon as it is made available by police.
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