BARBERTON, Mpumalanga – Mpumalanga police have dismantled an illegal mining camp in Barberton following the discovery of several bodies in the area, as authorities intensify efforts to curb violent territorial disputes among rival illegal mining syndicates.
According to police, the operation targeted an area where approximately 50 illegal miners, locally known as “Zama zamas,” are believed to operate daily. Authorities emphasized that these individuals are often heavily armed and prepared to use lethal force in pursuit of gold.
A police spokesperson confirmed that recent investigations in the area uncovered two bodies with gunshot wounds, which investigators believe are linked to ongoing conflicts between rival illegal mining groups. “This is more related to illegal mining,” the spokesperson stated, underscoring the volatility associated with these criminal operations.
During the raid, law enforcement officers arrested one suspect found in possession of gold-bearing material. Several items were confiscated, including a firearm that appeared to have been dropped by one of the fleeing miners, as well as multiple “pendugas” – handheld mining tools commonly used in illegal operations. Police indicated the confiscated equipment would be dismantled following procedural protocols.
Authorities also revealed that illegal miners in the Barberton area have been gaining entry to operational mines, heightening security concerns. In response, police affirmed they are working closely with mine security personnel to disrupt criminal activity and prevent further violence.
The dismantling of the camp forms part of a broader coordinated effort by multiple police units to address the surge in illegal mining and its associated crimes. Investigations remain ongoing as law enforcement continues to pursue those involved in these dangerous and unlawful activities.
