Police arrest 36 ‘zama zama’ miners after Stilfontein turf war broke out



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The Hawks said the fight near a Stilfontein shaft involved more than 100 miners.

The Hawks said the fight near a Stilfontein shaft involved more than 100 miners.

A group of 36 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in Stilfontein in the northwest after what appears to have been a turf war between two factions of illegal miners.

READ | Three men killed in alleged collapse of an illegal mining shaft

Police and the District’s Illicit Mining Task Force reached an area near a well and found more than 100 people fighting, said Hawks spokesman Col. Katlego Mogale.

“The warring rivals are believed to be Lesotho citizens fighting to prevail over each other over the territory of illegal mining,” Mogale said.

“One suspect was shot and injured in the upper body after he reportedly ignored calls for him to drop the weapon.”

Police also seized three loaded AK-47 assault rifles, a .303 rifle, a pistol, magazines and ammunition.

“The group is expected to appear in Stilfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday to face various charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. Meanwhile, their situation in the country is also under fire. an ongoing investigation. “

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