Cape Town – Gauteng police are investigating following the discovery of 19 bodies of alleged illegal miners (zama zamas) in Krugersdorp.
The bodies were found in one of the active mines in the area around 3pm on Wednesday, police said in a statement.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Murudili, preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased were “moved and placed where they were discovered”.
#sapsGP Members of SAPS Krugerdorp responded to a call following the discovery of 19 bodies of alleged illegal miners. No foul play suspected at this stage and post mortem will determine the cause of death. Inquest docket registered for investigation. NPhttps://t.co/sRf3HSHund pic.twitter.com/6yjfEIWB6k
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) November 2, 2022
“No foul play is suspected at this stage and post-mortems will determine the cause of death,” said police spokesperson Brig Brenda Muridili.
In July, eight young women were gang raped in Krugersdorp’s West Village.
The crew was attacked near an illegal mine which led to the arrest of dozens of illegal miners, often referred to as ‘zama zamas’.
The incident put the spotlight on illegal mining in South Africa.
Following the horrific incident, different law enforcement units have been conducting search and seize operations at various premises in Krugersdorp and Randfontein.
At least 46 suspects, including foreign nationals, were arrested and one was fatally wounded.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
