abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

4 Feb 2020

Author:
Mining Technology

So. Africa: Nine suspected illegal miners killed in Johannesburg

‘Nine illegal miners killed in Johannesburg, South Africa’ 3 February 2020

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation into the deaths of nine suspected illegal miners in Johannesburg. The miners from Lesotho were stoned to death in an alleged clash by rival workers in Matholeville, Johannesburg. Around 87 people have been taken into custody for questioning. The attack came a day after Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela and his team led a raid in the area as part of Operation O Kae Molao.

…Also known as ‘zama zamas’, illegal miners in South Africa target deposits of minerals, including gold and diamonds, in closed shafts or dangerous locations. Mawela said: “We condemn this barbaric attack and we will ensure we leave no stone unturned in making the people of Matholeville and Roodepoort feel safe. “The suspects will be arrested as soon as possible and the police will not sleep until we find them.”

…In a separate development, 23 illegal gold mining holes have been closed within the area of Mount Pongkor in Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia. A Bogor Police spokesperson said that such illegal mining activities have ‘damaged the environment and caused natural disasters’.