Zama zamas have been arrested in Mpumalanga.
COPS arrest 19 zama zamas at old Barberton mine.
Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects aged between 22 and 39 on Thursday, 26 December.
Cops with help from the South African National Defence Force’s Improvised Explosive Demolition Devices Team managed to swiftly corner the suspects.
The items seized from the suspects include a shotgun, revolver, 303 rifle, about 32 live ammunition, as well as one cartridge case.
Police with the firearms which were allegedly stolen at a cop shop.
Mpumalanga police spokesman Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said 11 of the arrested suspects are foreign nationals, while eight are South Africans.
“They were arrested after members from crime intelligence received information about illegal mining activities being carried out in an abandoned mine in Barberton.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, aged 39, found in possession of a firearm is out on parole after his sentencing for murder,” said Mdhluli.
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Three firearms were also confiscated during the operation.
“The rifle confiscated was reportedly stolen and a case was opened at Barberton Police Station. The other suspects were found in possession of explosives and are facing a charge of illegal mining while others were charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa,” said Mdhluli.
He said the suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrates Court on Monday, 30 December.
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