Multiple dead bodies of Zama Zamas recovered as illegal foreigners on eating toothpaste and cockroaches in South Africa

Krugersdorp – The grim discovery of five decomposed bodies near Krugersdorp and Kagiso, Gauteng, on Sunday, 15 December, has once again highlighted the perilous conditions faced by zama zamas, illegal miners operating in abandoned mines across South Africa.

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the recovery of the bodies, believed to be those of zama zamas, from an old abandoned mine situated at the intersection of the N14 and R28 highways.

“The police were notified by a member of the public who noticed the bodies as he was walking past,” Brigadier Muridili explained.

She added that it appeared the bodies had been brought to the surface and then dumped at the scene. “Two inquest cases will be registered in Kagiso (two bodies) and Krugersdorp (three bodies),” she stated.

The discovery underscores the inherent dangers of illegal mining, a practice rife in South Africa due to the abundance of valuable minerals and the presence of numerous unrehabilitated mines, according to crime expert Calvin Rafadi.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, Rafadi said: “Many mines are left without being rehabilitated, and it opens up a floodgate for zama zamas to take over.”

He noted that many zama zamas are from neighbouring countries, possessing mining skills. “Mozambican and Zimbabwean nationals have skills in mining and most of them go in and mine while operating the phendukas,” he explained.

He further highlighted the exploitation of young people within these illegal operations: “These syndicates recruit young people and that’s why you find young boys as little as 15 years old working as miners.”

Rafadi emphasised that these illegal miners often disregard safety regulations and take significant risks.

The stark reality of life underground for these zama zamas was recently brought to light by the harrowing situation at the Stilfontein mine in North West. For months, illegal miners were trapped underground, surviving on a diet of toothpaste, salt water mixtures, and even cockroaches.

The authorities had blocked the delivery of food, water, and other necessities from October, leading to extreme hunger and starvation amongst those trapped. While a plan to smoke them out was initially considered, the authorities ultimately opted for other strategies, including a court order mandating the provision of humanitarian aid.

On Sunday, 30 November, the Pretoria High Court instructed relevant authorities to “allow community members, charitable organisations and interested parties to, in an orderly manner, provide humanitarian aid including water, food and medication to the artisanal miners trapped underground at shafts 10 and 11 of the Buffelsfontein gold mine”.

Following this order, food and water were delivered on Tuesday, 3 December. However, even with the provision of supplies, a second body was recovered from the shaft, and those remaining underground reportedly demanded further supplies in exchange for bringing more bodies to the surface.

Since August, over 1300 zama zamas have emerged from the mine, many in dire physical condition. On Monday, 2 December, 21 zama zamas surfaced, with a significant number being Mozambican and Zimbabwean nationals. Those emerging from Shaft 10 were found wearing only trousers and showed signs of significant hardship. Three were barefoot, with visible injuries and bleeding blisters.

A 19-year-old teenager who emerged described a surprisingly organised existence underground: “We used to go to work as early as six in the morning and then come back at about 4pm, take a bath then sleep. Or go to the shops and watch TV. We have TVs, fridges and speaker boxes,” he said, highlighting the stark contrast between the organised nature of their underground community and the dangerous conditions they face.

Meanwhile, the ongoing labour disputes at the Gold One Modder East Operations have further complicated the situation in the mining sector. Since October 2023, the mine has faced significant challenges, including protests, hostage situations, assaults on workers, and underground sit-ins stemming from a dispute between the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) over organisational rights. The situation escalated in November, leading to arrests and dismissals of workers.

Daily Sun reported on one such dismissal via SMS, which stated: “Kindly note that your medical exit is scheduled on the 9 January 2024 at Boksburg. Transport is available in the morning, bring your one-month bank statement for the provident fund claim.”

Ultimately, NUM ended its agreement with Gold One Mine, and a verification process was undertaken to determine the number of employed mineworkers. In March 2024, an agreement was signed recognising Amcu. The ongoing challenges within the formal mining sector highlight the complex issues surrounding employment and labour relations, further emphasising the desperate circumstances that drive individuals to engage in illegal mining activities.