Police apprehend 362 Zama zama nationwide

Zama zama continue to wreak havoc across the country as police play catch up with Operation Vala Umgodi. This week 362 arrests were made.

May 21, 2025 - 22:00
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Police apprehend 362 Zama zama nationwide

On 21 May 2025, the South African Police Service revealed that they had arrested 362 suspected Zama zama across the country, in the past week. The suspects were arrested during the nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi.

During the nationwide operation, police seized four unlicensed firearms and 91 rounds of ammunition collectively. Police in KwaZulu- Natal also recovered vehicle parts that belong to a car that was reportedly hijacked near eMpangeni.

“These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes that include, among others; attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of drugs” said SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk.

ZAMA ZAMA EQUIPMENT DESTROYED

During the operation, police destroyed equipment they found at the various crime scenes. SAPS said they believe the equipment was used for illegal mining.

According to van Wyk, the illegal mining equipment that was destroyed included phendukas [a cylindrical machine turned by hand and used to process gold ore], phenduka pots, gas bottles and generators.

She said the items were seized from suspects in different parts of Ekurhuleni District.

The police also seized 21 vehicles that include TLB’s, trucks, bakkies and sedans in different parts of the country. An excavator was also found at one of the scenes and it was confiscated by the police.

PROVINCES CELEBRATE HIGH ARREST STATISTICS

 SAPS said they received a tip-off in the Northern Cape and were led to two suspects in Port Nolloth. The pair were found with unpolished diamonds in their possession. According to SAPS, in a separate incident, six suspects were arrested in the Free State after being caught partaking in illegal mining.

van Wyk said an additional 12 suspects were arrested in Limpopo while another 15 alleged illegal miners were arrested in Baberton, Mpumalanga.

zama zama
Equipment seized during Operation Vala Umgodi. Picture supplied by SAPS

“Community members are reminded that illegal mining is a criminal activity that is a contravention of the country’s laws and forms part of many other economic related crimes that are afflicting our society”, van Wyk concluded.

Who do you think is funding illegal mining in South Africa?

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