The arrests were made as part of a widespread operation targeting illegal mining activities across the country.
South Africa has begun deporting some of the illegal miners arrested in recent months.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that over 80 undocumented miners, primarily from Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, have been deported. State broadcaster SABC reported this.
The arrests were part of a comprehensive operation targeting illegal mining activities across the country.
North West Police Spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said on Thursday in an interview with SABC that around 1,450 illegal miners had been arrested since August 18, 2024, with the majority detained between October and November 2024.
Court Proceedings
Mokgwabone stated, “Fewer than 20 South African illegal miners were arrested.”
Next Tuesday, 52 more illegal miners are expected to appear in court.
Miners from Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe briefly appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with violating immigration laws.
These miners were part of a group of 153 illegal miners rescued from a 180-meter mine shaft. Due to the vastness of the site, the miners appeared in groups.
Some of the miners rescued by the authorities told local media they were forced to extract gold underground by heavily armed men known as “zama zamas,” a term that means “give it a chance” in Zulu.
Tough Work
Despite deteriorating health conditions underground, the gangs did not allow the miners to leave the mines.
South Africa continues to fight against illegal mining, which poses significant risks to the miners’ lives and causes harm to the environment.
Last November, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the deployment of 3,300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to assist SAPS in combating illegal mining.
