SOLDIERS, GUARDS NAB 30 ZAMA ZAMAS RED-HANDED:

MALOLOTJA – More than 20 illegal miners believed they had struck gold when they entered the Malolotja Green Chert Mine illegally, it was short lived.

Their activities came to a swift end as The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), along with security guards from the Green Chert Mine, apprehended the 30 men, who had gone underground to mine green chert illegally. The men are currently in custody, awaiting their appearance at the Pigg’s Peak Magistrates Court tomorrow. It is alleged that around 85 zama zamas were present, but approximately 55 of them managed to escape upon realising that soldiers were stationed nearby. In the past, operations like this have led to shootouts, often resulting in the deaths of one or two zama zamas. Despite the presence of armed soldiers and security guards, some men were able to evade capture, leaving behind 30 of their colleagues.

Lack

The Green Chert Mine is currently non-operational, due to the lack of an environmental compliance certificate and has become a hotspot for illegal mining activities. For the past six months, the mine has remained closed; however, reports indicate that a small number of illegal miners, typically five or fewer, have been taking green chert. Recently, there has been a significant increase in their numbers. The mine is licenced to extract both green chert and gold, and it is located within the Malolotja Nature Reserve, which serves as an animal sanctuary and is home to several rare protected plants. The green chert is readily accessible on the surface, meaning these illegal miners do not need to spend nights in tunnels, as seen with the zama zamas at the old Pigg’s Peak Mine. Instead, they use fire and dynamite to break through the stone covering the green chert and steal these valuable pieces, which are then sold in a readily available market.

Operation

The operation conducted by members of the UEDF and Top 2 Security guards reportedly happened so quickly that some of the men thought they were being tested. One of the illegal miners, identified as Jamu, was interrogated by the soldiers and asked to explain how they had gained access to the mining area. He recounted that a certain police officer, named Joko, assured him that nothing would happen to them. Jamu explained that Officer Joko approached him expressing interest in earning a commission if they were successful in mining the green chert. Joko indicated that mining the green chert had become easy due to lax security measures. He informed Jamu that soldiers and security guards had become corrupt and that they would readily allow the miners to operate if approached and compensated.

The zama zama invited his colleagues, and together they entered the mine to steal green chert. While they were carrying out their operations, some soldiers approached them and asked what they were doing. Jamu reported that the men openly told the soldiers they were in the nature reserve to mine green chert and claimed they would share the profits. However, they were shocked when, instead of allowing them to continue as Officer Joko had suggested, the soldiers apprehended them.

Soldiers

After this, the men realised that several soldiers were present alongside the security guards. There was a commotion as most of the individuals managed to flee, leaving only 30 behind.
Upon apprehending them, the soldiers allegedly searched the illegal miners for any dangerous weapons. They then sat the miners down, while some soldiers kept guard until the police arrived. The zama zamas were also found with bags of green chert, which were ready for transport. It was reported that each of them could carry about 70 kilogrammes (kg), which meant that had they not been caught, they would have stolen a total of 2 240 kg, potentially generating around E32 000 or E1 000 per person. Although this rock may seem inexpensive compared to gold, it is highly valued as an end product, generating millions of Dollars.

Mfanufile Mashinini, the Operations Director at Green Chert Mine, confirmed the recent arrests and expressed frustration over the ongoing illegal activities at the site. The mine is owned by Micheal Lee Enterprise. He reported that 30 individuals had been arrested and praised the soldiers and security guards for their intervention. Mashinini explained that the problem arose because the zama zamas were aware that the mine had been inactive.

Thieves

“For the past six months, while we have been closed, these thieves have been stealing from the mine,” he stated. Additionally, he noted that the mine’s closure has worsened the environmental damage caused by the zama zamas. “Illegal miners arrive equipped with explosives and food supplies, prepared for extended stays. When confronted by security forces, they often abandon their belongings, leaving behind litter in the reserve,” he said. Mashinini explained that illegal mining disrupts the ecosystem of the Malolotja Game Reserve, harming rare tree species and contaminating water sources.

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