Body of alleged Zama Zama retrieved in Mokopane
The body of a male believed to be a Lesotho National suspected of being involved in illegal mining activities was discovered at Zwartkrans Mine near Makapan Valley, Mokopane on Thursday.
The body, already in a decomposing state, was buried in a shallow grave, deeply covered with large rocks at one of the illegal mining shafts.
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At approximately 11:00, members of Operation Vala Umgodi in Waterberg District were conducting disruptive operations when they received information about a body buried in a shallow grave at one of the illegal mining shafts.
Upon arrival at the scene, a hotspot for illegal mining, they discovered the body was deeply covered with large rocks. Immediately, the Search and Rescue Teams were activated.
POLICE HAVE RETRIEVED A BODY OF A ZAMA ZAMA PERSON SUSPECTED TO BE INVILVED IN ILLEGAL MINING AT MAKAN VALLEY
The retrieval operation, which included SAPS, EMS, and Mogalakwena Mining Company, commenced the following day using relevant equipment and other resources but only concluded on Sunday, 16 February, at approximately 14:00 due to rainfall.
Circumstances surrounding the death are still under police investigation. The identity of the deceased will be disclosed in due course.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned illegal mining activities, highlighting that they are not only unlawful but also highly dangerous.
She commended all the role players who participated in the operation and ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. General Hadebe also appealed to the community to provide any information regarding illegal mining activities in the area.
