Barberton – At least 19 illegal miners have been arrested by police at a disused mine in Barberton, near Mbombela, in Mpumalanga.
The illegal miners, better known as Zama Zamas, aged between 22 and 39 were found in possession of three unlawful firearms when they were arrested on Boxing Day, (Thursday, 26 December 2024).
Preliminary investigation revealed that 11 are foreign nationals and eight others are South Africans.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said one of the arrested Zama Zamas was a convicted murderer who was out on parole.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, aged 39, found in possession of a firearm is out on parole after his sentencing for murder,” Brigadier Mdhluli said.
“The other suspects were found in possession of explosives, and are facing a charge of illegal mining while others were charged for contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa.”
Other items seized by the police from the suspects include a shotgun, revolver, 303 Rifle, about 32 live ammunition, as well as one cartridge case.
Brigadier Mdhluli said the Zama Zamas were arrested by a police crime intelligence unit assisted by the South African National Defence Force.
The law enforcers acted on a tip-off about illegal mining activities at an abandoned mine in Barberton.
The suspects will appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, (30 December 2025).
Commenting on the matter, acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said: “We welcome the effort made by the men and women in Blue to fight illegal mining activities.
“Their hard work paid off as firearms, as well as explosives and other equipment used in illegal mining activities were confiscated.”
