Six bodies were discovered in a veld N1, near Maraisburg, in Roodepoort this morning. It is suspected that the bodies are linked to illegal miners. The N1 was at a standstill as cops are on the scene searching for more bodies. Emergency services were also on site.It is not clear what happened but police believe it is linked to zama zamas. The victims had been shot, stabbed and stoned to death. It is alleged that an estimate of 100 people were seen chasing the zama zamas but it is not known who these people were. The local community has complained about zama zamas terrorising the community. A witness says this happened last night but it only received attention this morning. Police are investigating six counts of murder and are yet to find out what the motive is.                                                                                                  A similar incident happened in 2021 where 20 bodies of suspected zama zamas were discovered in Orkney near Kleksdorp. Some were found inside a mine dump and the rest near a railway line. Zama zama battles have been reportedly caused by the fight for territory and also tribalism.

REASONS FOR ILLEGAL MINING

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral resources Sahlulele Luzipo said together with the Portfolio Committees on Police and Home Affairs, they conducted an oversight visit to the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo in a bid to determine to extent of illegal mining in the area.
He said residents had been complaining about the crime levels in their area, however the three committees were told that some community members had resorted to illegal mining as a result of unsuccessful mining licence. "According to community members, they enter into the illegal sphere in order to feed their families because all mining rights in the area belong to big mining groups," said Luzipo.

COMMUNITIES WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN MINING

He said he would put pressure on the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to resolve the licensing challenges.                                                                 "We understand the  frustration of the people , however, we cannot promise to resolve the issue of licensing. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy must help, so that the community can also get an opportunity to participate in the mining business," Luzipo said. In an effort to combat illegal mining activities in the area, the committees were informed that the South African Police Service embarked on a joint operation to fight illegal mining activities in the area and there has reportedly been progress.