Six of the accused applied for bail this week, but their applications have been opposed by the state.

This comes after their arrest in October 2022, when the North West Hawks went on a raid at a mine shaft during their surveillance operation into illegal mining activities.

During the raid, 15 AK-47s, six hunting rifles, two shotguns, and an R5-rifle were discovered, as well as boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money.

ALSO READ: Illegal mining: More arrests possible in North West

The provincial spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Henry Mamothame, says one of the accused is out on bail of R5 000 while the remaining 14 accused have not applied for bail.

Mamothame says the 20 suspects will remain in police custody until their next court appearance. The suspects are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of prohibited firearms and the possession of ammunition and contravention of the immigration act.

More charges may be added as investigations continue.

Spokesperson for Sibanye Stillwater, James Wellsted, says that the mining sector in South Africa has shrunk a lot over the years. "This means there are a lot of ex-miners who are currently unemployed, thus leading them to resort to illegal mining. It is a very big challenge for the mining industry and the country as a whole." 

Illegal mining has been an issue that plagues mine towns in South Africa for years. In August 2022, residents of Kagiso, in Mogale City on Gauteng’s West Rand, blocked off illegal mine holes.  

Locals torched shacks belonging to illegal miners, also known as zama zamas, most of whom are foreign nationals. According to community members, zama zamas are responsible for some of the area's crimes, including rape and murder.

ALSO READ: Kagiso residents block illegal mine holes in search for #ZamaZamas

Zama zama comes from the Zulu word that means "to try." This refers to the illegal miners' endeavours to feed their families and the many dangers they are exposed to in an attempt to make a living. 

They go underground in abandoned mines to find gold, sometimes losing their lives in the process because of crumbling mine shafts. They will either bribe or sneak into an existing mine or blast through shaft openings that have been sealed with concrete to obtain access to the mines.
The illegal miners are often heavily armed, as they often deal with gun-wielding gangs, corrupt police. They put their health at risk because they inhale dust and dangerous chemicals while digging and processing gold.
According to the news agency Vice, which recently released a mini-documentary about illegal mining activities in South Africa, zama zama bosses say one can make millions a month, which are shared amongst themselves. They also have police officials on their payroll - if they miss a payment, they can get arrested.

South African law enforcement agencies have tried to eradicate the issue of illegal miners as it poses a threat to affected communities and the country’s economy. However, no solution has been tabled yet.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame