6 zama-zamas killed in gun battle with North West law enforcement

According to provincial police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone, chaos ensued when at least 300 zama-zamas charged at security officers in an attempt to forcefully deliver food to illegal miners underground.

The illegal miners shot at law enforcement who then opened fire in return. 

Four lifeless bodies were found near a shaft ventilation in Orkney, the fifth victim was found less than a kilometre form the shaft, while the sixth body was found in the bushes near Kanana Location. 

“The arrests and shooting incidents came after a decision by the mine management to clamp down on illegal mining activities by closing the ventilation shaft which the “zama zamas” had been using to enter and exit various shafts. 

“The action effectively stopped the supply of food stuffs and water to the “zama zamas”. Consequently, some of the illegal miners voluntarily and due to shortage of food and water, used explosives to open a hole and started to exit the shaft on Saturday,” Mokgwabone added. 

Faced with a shortage of water and food, it’s believed more than 500 illegal miners had surfaced from the shaft over the weekend. 

“They were thoroughly processed including being medically examined for dehydration before being released. Some were treated by paramedics while a few others were taken to hospital.”

“Although nobody exited on Monday and Tuesday, the “zama zamas” exited again on Wednesday afternoon. It was at that stage that some of the illegal miners launched an attack which resulted in the deaths,” Mokgwabone explained. 

At least 35 others were arrested for attempted murder, causing an explosion, malicious damage to property and conspiracy to commit crime. 

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in courts soon.

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