Pensioner Uses Bedroom to Illegally Access Mine Shaft

Pensioner Uses Bedroom to Illegally Access Mine Shaft

A 65-year-old man from North West has been arrested for allegedly permitting a group of zama zamas to use a bedroom in his house as an entrance to a mine shaft at the adjacent Khuseleka 1 mine.

The man was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning, 5 September, at Nkandla informal settlement near Khuseleka 1 mine by Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team, and Rustenburg Public Safety.

Police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said reports suggest that acting on a tip-off, the team arrested two suspects for illegal mining, tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, and possession of suspected stolen goods.

She said: “It is alleged that the homeowner (65) who resides with his family, used or allowed a group of men to utilise one of the bedrooms as an entrance to the nearby Khuseleka mine shaft.”

Pensioner Uses Bedroom to Illegally Access Mine Shaft

“Upon noticing the police, an unconfirmed number of men entered and disappeared into the man-made hole in the bedroom, while the other two including the owner of the house, were arrested,” she added.

Funani said with the assistance of the mine security team, some of the mine property and other equipment were found inside the house.

“A search for other suspects is continuing. Eight more suspects were arrested for illegal mining between 6 and 7 September 2024. A total of ten suspects are expected to appear before Rustenburg Magistrate Court on Monday, 9 September,” she said.

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The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the team for their concerted efforts in addressing illegal mining activities.