20 bodies of ‘zama zamas’ found in North West

20 bodies of ‘zama zamas’ found in North West

Police have discovered the bodies of 20 suspected illegal miners in two separate locations in the North West. 

The first five bodies were found decomposed outside an old and disused mine shaft ventilation in Orkney.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said 14 more decomposed bodies were discovered in Ariston Road, near the railway line. 

“While still processing the scene, the police received information that another body was discovered where the initial five bodies were found, thus bringing a total number to 20,”  Mokgwabone said.

“All the deceased are suspected to be illegal miners commonly known as ‘zama zamas’ operating in obsolete shafts in Orkney and Stilfontein.

20 bodies of ‘zama zamas’ found in North West

“Furthermore, the deceased suffered severe body burns. As part of investigations, postmortems will be conducted to determine a cause of death for these men whose bodies were found wrapped in white plastic bags.” 

He said police have opened an inquest docket to determine what led to the deaths of the 20 men. 

“Investigation into the matter continues and it includes the possibility of linking the incident with the video that was circulated on social media platforms wherein a man calling himself ‘Mafifi’ was seen pleading for assistance after an apparent smoke inhalation occurrence at shaft number six,” he said.

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