Illegal Mining
By Thabo Mosia
Welkom, Free State – Five suspects arrested for illegal mining in the Free State are expected to appear in court soon, following a successful crackdown by law enforcement. The group was apprehended during last week’s “Vala Umgodi” operations in Welkom, Thabong, and Allanridge, targeting illicit mining activities that threaten South Africa’s economy and environment.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 48, were caught with nearly 46 kilograms of gold-bearing material and a range of illegal mining equipment, according to Free State police. Provincial police spokesperson Thabo Covane detailed the seizure, stating, “The police confiscated 19-kilogram oxygen cylinders, 9-kilogram gas bottles, green, red and brown connector pipes, cutting torches and nozzles, steel plates, a galvanised steel drum, strainers, and crusher pots. Members also seized 45.76 kilograms of gold-bearing materials.” These items are commonly used by illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” to extract and process gold unlawfully.
The arrests form part of “Operation Vala Umgodi,” a nationwide initiative launched to combat illegal mining, which costs South Africa billions of rands annually and damages infrastructure and ecosystems. The operation, involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and other stakeholders, has intensified efforts in the Free State, a region historically rich in gold deposits. Welkom and surrounding areas like Thabong and Allanridge have become hotspots for illegal mining due to abandoned mine shafts and lax oversight.
The suspects face multiple charges, including illegal possession of gold-bearing material, operating without a mining permit, and contravening the Immigration Act. Some of the arrested individuals are reportedly undocumented foreign nationals, highlighting the cross-border nature of illegal mining syndicates. These charges reflect the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter regulations under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and immigration laws.
In addition to the equipment and materials seized, police used advanced tactics during the operation, including foot patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and air-to-ground drone surveillance. These methods have proven effective in identifying and apprehending suspects in remote mining areas. The operation also uncovered makeshift processing sites, where gold ores are washed and separated using rudimentary tools like the confiscated galvanised steel drum and crusher pots.
Illegal mining remains a significant challenge, with authorities noting its links to organised crime, environmental degradation, and community safety risks. The Free State’s goldfields, once a cornerstone of the province’s economy, are now vulnerable to exploitation by “zama zamas” who operate in dangerous conditions, often endangering their lives and those of nearby residents.
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