illegal miners Limpopo

Illegal miners who were arrested in Krugersdorp earlier this year. Image via Twitter/@SAPoliceService.

Wounded bodies of ‘illegal miners’ found in Limpopo bushes

Four wounded bodies of men believed to be illegal miners from Lesotho were found in different spots in Limpopo.

illegal miners Limpopo

Illegal miners who were arrested in Krugersdorp earlier this year. Image via Twitter/@SAPoliceService.

Police in Westenburg outside Polokwane in Limpopo have opened cases of murder after the bodies of four Lesotho nationals, believed to be illegal miners, were found at different spots in the bushes on the Roodepoort farm on Monday 26 September 2022 and Tuesday, 27 September. 

The Police received information on Monday about an incident in which suspected illegal miners were shot dead by unknown suspects on a farm under Westenburg policing area. 

BODIES OF MEN BELIEVED TO BE ILLEGAL MINERS FOUND IN BUSHES

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe immediately ordered a full scale mobilisation of relevant resources, including a police helicopter to hunt down the suspects and also search for the victims. 

Hadebe has ordered the intensification of operations at all identified illegal mining sites in the Province and that decisive actions against any illegal activities be taken.

“I urge community members to assist the Police in the investigation of these killings by providing valuable information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects,” Hadebe said. 

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said on arrival on the said farm, they found the body of a man lying next to the pathway. He was later identified as a 37-year-old man from Lesotho. The search continued until it was late called off for the night.

Mojapelo said the operatives resumed the search operation on Tuesday morning and three more bodies were found in the area next to the illegal mining site. It appears  they were all shot at whilst fleeing from the attackers. The three are also Lesotho nationals.

“Preliminary police investigations indicate that a group of illegal miners from Lesotho and Zimbabwe were sitting around the fire next to an illegal mining shaft in the area on Sunday morning when a group of Sesotho speaking suspects, armed with pistols, allegedly accosted them and robbed them of their cellphones and money. 

“They then ran in different directions. The suspects were in the process, allegedly firing shots at them. The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage but conflict amongst illegal miners (zama-zamas) cannot be ruled out.”

Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Brandon Mphahlele on 067 093 9828 or 072 294 4760 or the crime stop number 0860010111.

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