On Tuesday (2/6), a coordinated operation led to the surprise discovery of four individuals actively engaged in illicit mining activities. Gold-bearing material and the equipment used in their unlawful extraction, often makeshift and dangerous, were immediately confiscated. 

The team further arrested nine more illegal immigrants in connection with illicit mining activities.

Four individuals were actively engaged in illicit mining activities. Photo: SAPS

The Free State, specifically the Welkom region, has long been affected by the consequences of illegal mining, known locally as “zama-zama” activities.

The Minerals Council of South Africa estimates that illegal mining costs the economy billions of Rands annually. The environmental impact is equally dire, with underground fires and explosions, and water contamination from the unregulated use of hazardous chemicals like mercury.

Authorities intensify efforts

Authorities have intensified their efforts to combat this illicit trade. “The operation itself has enough impact on the illicit mining. We have pilots operating drones and police aircraft, as well as the mine security partnership,” said Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli.

The ongoing fight against illegal mining in the Free State remains a priority for authorities, who are determined to curb these dangerous and destructive activities that undermine the formal economy and jeopardise community safety and environmental well-being.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Wepener, Vala Umgodi members conducted a self-initiated operation and discovered 44 boxes of suspected illicit cigarettes in a truck with an estimated value of R150,000. 

After interviewing the occupants, they requested a search, which led to the arrest of two suspects (34 and 50 years old) for possession of the cigarettes. 

The Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs confirmed the cigarettes’ illicit nature. Further investigations are ongoing.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cg