40 Zama-zamas nabbed in Thabong’s ‘Operation Vala Umgodi’

At least 40 suspected illegal miners between the ages of 34 and 36 were nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi in Thabong which was conducted by the police yesterday, February 12.

“The operation Vala Umgodi seeks to firmly establish the authority of the state by arresting and detaining illegal miners known by the term ‘Zamazama’,” said Lejweleputswa police interim spokesperson Lorraine
Earle.

Lorraine who is standing in for SAPS spokesperson in the district says, the police arrested three suspects after being found with gold- bearing materials in their possession, “including a 45-year-old man who was allegedly found in possession of an unauthorized firearm in the streets of Thabong,” she said.

Additionally, the tavern owner was also allegedly fined and detained for selling alcohol without a valid license.

Earle says the operation is currently underway to radioactively identify illegal mining activities in Lejweleputswa and nearby towns, with soldiers still present on the ground.

Free State Provincial spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said amongst those arrested, two were nabbed for human trafficking, another were charged for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, and eight were arrested for kidnapping.