Illegal mining activities in the Riverlea area of Johannesburg continue unabated, despite the intervention of high-level police units aiming to curb the dangerous operations.
Alleged zama zama arrested in fiery shootout
A recent shootout involving the South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit (NIU) highlights the persistent challenges authorities face in tackling this illicit industry.
Arrest for Attempted Murder
In a recent incident, the NIU engaged in a shootout with illegal miners, commonly known as “zama zamas,” resulting in the arrest of one individual for attempted murder.
The encounter occurred during patrols on Main Reef Road in Langlaagte, on Monday, 14 August 2023.
The area has been marked as a hotspot for illegal mining activities, with George Harrison Park serving as a well-known site for these operations.
The situation escalated when NIU members encountered a group of six men entering the aforementioned mining area while carrying food parcels.
As the NIU approached, the suspects fled towards an open cast mine and fired shots in the direction of the officers. In response, the officers returned fire, leading to the apprehension of one suspect while the others managed to evade capture.
Are police winning the war against illegal mining in Riverlea?
The deployment of the National Specialised Units in the Riverlea area has yielded several arrests and seizures of illegal mining equipment, explosives, firearms, and ammunition.
Since the beginning of August 2023, over 200 individuals have been arrested, with 187 of them being undocumented immigrants engaged in illegal mining activities.
These measures aim to bring stability to the region and put an end to the culture of fear that illegal mining has instilled in the local communities.
Earlier this month, Police Minister Bheki Cele reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the issue of illegal mining head-on.
The specialised units were specifically deployed to Riverlea to apprehend individuals involved in these operations and restore law and order in the community.
Cele emphasised that the government’s priority is to create a safe environment for the residents and ensure that the criminal activities of illegal miners are decisively addressed.