North West police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, tells OFM News that the situation is calm after 35 alleged zama-zamas were arrested following a shootout with the police and security officials.

Mokgwabone says he cannot confirm how many zama-zamas are still underground, as police are still monitoring the situation.

On Thursday, OFM News reported that six illegal miners were killed during the shooting, which involved security officials and police, when a group of at least 300 miners attempted to pass food and water to their compatriots underground, at shaft six in that area.

READ MORE: Body count of suspected #ZamaZama's increases in NW - VIDEO

Mokgwabone, said 35 illegal miners were nabbed for attempted murder, causing an explosion, malicious damage to property, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

He said 300 illegal miners attacked and shot at security officers.

Later, when they attempted to provide foodstuffs to their fellow illegal miners who were underground, they also shot at the police.

READ MORE: IPID investigating #ZamaZama shooting

Meanwhile, Mokgwabone further added that following the shortage of food and water, some of the illegal miners voluntarily started to exit the shaft on Saturday 2 October 2021 and Sunday 3 October 2021.

More than 500 miners had already exited the shaft.

OFM News