During a joint operation, 37 zama zamas (illegal miners) were arrested in Allanridge and charged with
trespassing, illegal possession of gold bearing material and contravening the immigration act.
On Tuesday, 27 September, the Allanridge police in partnership with Mine Security, embarked on a crime prevention operation in Nyakallong and Allanridge to address the problem of illicit mining.
They arrested 16 zama zamas during a surprise raid on mine premises.
The authorities found gold bearing material and tools used for illegal mining.
The next morning while officers were busy with routine crime prevention duties, they received information about zama zamas residing in Nyakallong.
They arrested 21 males. They found equipment used in the illegal gold mining trade.
“All suspects are undocumented and illegal in the country,” says Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, Free State SAPS Communications.
