Johannesburg - The SAPS in Gauteng says it does not suspect foul play after the bodies of 19 alleged illegal zama zamas were discovered on the West Rand on Wednesday at around 3pm.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the Krugersdorp police responded to a call following the discovery of 19 bodies of alleged illegal miners.
She said a forensic team was investigating the scene at the mine where the bodies were found.
"The police in Gauteng can confirm that on 2 November 2022, at about 3pm, members from SAPS Krugersdorp responded to a call following the discovery of 19 bodies of alleged illegal miners in one of the active mines in the area.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased were moved and placed where they were discovered. No foul play is suspected at this stage and a post-mortem will determine the cause of death," she said.
This discovery in the area comes just two months after the bodies of six illegal miners were found along the N1 highway next to Bosmont.
In September, six men, believed to be illegal miners, were found dead near the N1 highway. Bosmont residents said they were killed during a turf war between various groups in the illegal mining trade.
The residents, who said they had witnessed the gun battle, said they were living in fear of the zama zamas who had made their suburb a battleground for illegal mining and subsequent turf wars.
In July, the same community of illegal miners were reported to have raped eight women who were shooting a music video at West Village. More than 80 illegal miners were subsequently arrested.
However, last month, 14 of the suspects were cleared on charges of raping the young women. They are facing charges of contravening the country's immigration policies.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the NPA decided to withdraw the charges of rape, sexual assault and robbery with aggravating circumstances against the accused, adding that the prosecution of contravention of the Immigration Act would continue at the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court. In August. the NPA said it was confident of a successful prosecution.
"Upon consultation with the complainants in the matter and the evidential material currently at the disposal of the NPA, it became apparent that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the prosecution. Prosecutorial-guided investigations will continue in the pursuit of justice for all women affected by this," Mjonondwane said.
The Star