
Picture: Illegal miners arrested/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The alleged illegal miners aged between 20 and 35 are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2023 for conspiracy to commit a crime, attempted murder and Contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The 28 suspects were apprehended on Wednesday evening, 12 July 2023. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this comes after the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Task Team, supported by the National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Phokeng K9, followed-up on information received about a group of illegal miners, commonly known as “zama zamas” that were being transported in three minibus taxis and a bakkie (LDV) in Ariston Road, Orkney.
“The police stopped those vehicles and it is alleged that some of the illegal miners tried to flee. They allegedly fired shots towards the police and the latter returned fire. One suspect was wounded and later died, whilst being treated in a nearby hospital.
“A 9mm pistol and ammunition were found next to him and confiscated as well as the three vehicles allegedly used during the commission of the crime,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their continuous hard work, which led to the arrest and confiscation of the firearm, ammunition and vehicles. Kwena strongly warned that illicit economic activities will not be tolerated and that those involved will be dealt with harshly.
