Three Zama zamas have died in Mpumalanga, according to Daily Sun, while 150 remain trapped underground.
Mpumalanga police spokesman Brigadier Donald Mdluli confirmed that six of the zama zamas, including two foreign nationals, are safe.
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The illegal miners were discovered on Tuesday, 3 December, by a security company’s K9 unit, after finding four men fleeing the scene.
The men informed security officers they and others were trapped in an abandoned mine.
“Police involved in Operation Vala Umgodi quickly arrived. Two foreign nationals, aged 23 and 24, along with four South Africans, were rescued.
“Survivors claimed they were forced to mine for gold under dangerous conditions. Tragically, three lost their lives in the mine shaft,” he said.
Police suspect those running the illegal operation are heavily armed.
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This is supported by a recent incident on 28 November 2024, when alleged illegal miners attacked law enforcement, injuring a K9 unit officer and killing three suspects.
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi said that law enforcement agencies are carefully monitoring the situation and urged the public to let the authorities handle the situation.
