Two men will each serve an effective 45-year jail sentence after three illegal miners (zama-zamas) lost their lives in 2020.
These convictions come as a result of the relentless efforts through Operation Vala Umgodi to curb illegal mining in the Free State.
“On Monday, 20 April 2020, at about 23:30, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) of Bloemfontein received information about illegal miners, also known as zama-zamas, who were busy extracting gold-bearing material at the Kudu old mine plant,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer of the Lejweleputswa police.
Thakeng says that when the police arrived at the old mine, the suspects started to shoot at the police, and the police members retaliated by firing back.
Three Lesotho nationals were fatally shot and two sustained injuries. The latter, also from Lesotho, were admitted to the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom, and the Pelonomi hospital in Bloemfontein.
Five 9 mm firearms and live ammunition were recovered and seized. Later the two hospitalised suspects, Taelo Manuel Mmereko (39) and Koketso Azaih Futho (39), were charged with three counts of murder (common purpose), two counts of attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and illegal immigration.
The duo was found guilty as charged and sentenced on Monday, 10 June, in the Odendaalsrus Regional Court.
- They were sentenced as follows: Three counts of murder: 15 years of direct imprisonment each;) three counts of attempted murder: five years of direct imprisonment each; ) illegal immigration: the two accused were sentenced to two years of direct imprisonment; and ) the two accused will each serve an effective 45-year term of imprisonment.
Members of the Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT) who effected the arrests and Det. Sgt Molebatsi of the Provincial Organised Crime unit, who conducted a thorough investigation were applauded for the excellent work done.
