Photo / AFP
In South Africa, nearly 600 illegal miners, known as « Zama-Zamas » (which means « those who try » in Zulu), have been arrested in the gold mining town of Orkney, located in the Klerksdorp district. These individuals were illegally exploiting mining sites when police decided to cut off their water and food supplies to force them to emerge from the mine. The ongoing operation aims to bring other illegal miners who are still hiding underground to the surface.
Law enforcement forces, including both police and military units, have prevented nearby communities from supplying water and food to these miners. According to authorities, those who were apprehended were forced to come to the surface due to « hunger and dehydration. » A total of 565 arrests have been made.
Orkney is known for its old gold mines, and the « Zama-Zamas » often venture into these abandoned sites, digging tunnels without any protection in hopes of extracting the remaining gold. Unfortunately, these miners are frequently exploited by organized criminal groups.
South African police estimate that there could be « hundreds, even thousands » of other miners still active underground. Most of those arrested come from Mozambique and Lesotho, though some South Africans are also involved.
In response to this situation, the government of Pretoria has launched a large-scale operation to combat illegal mining activities. Since last December, nearly 13,700 suspects have been arrested. Additionally, the police have seized large sums of money and rough diamonds valued at approximately 2 million dollars.
This operation highlights the ongoing challenges linked to illegal mining in South Africa, as well as the precarious living conditions faced by many illegal miners.
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