Police probe after 20 decomposed bodies of ‘zama zamas’ found

IN LESS than 24 hours, 20 bodies believed to be those of illegal miners have been discovered in various locations in Orkney outside Klerksdorp, North West.

Police opened inquest dockets after discovering the first five decomposed bodies outside an old and unused mine ventilation shaft in Lawrence Park, Orkney on Tuesday.

Fourteen more decomposed bodies were found along Ariston Road near the railway line in Orkney yesterday.

“While still processing the scene, the police received information that another body was discovered where the initial five bodies were found, thus bringing a total number to 20,” police said in a statement.

The bodies were found wrapped in white plastic bags. The suspected illegal miners, commonly known as “zama zamas”, suffered severe burns, police said, and appeared to have been operating in obsolete shafts in Orkney and Stilfontein.

As part of investigations, post-mortems would be conducted to determine the cause of their death.

“Investigation into the matter continues and it includes the possibility of linking the incident with the video that was circulated on social media platforms, wherein a man calling himself ‘Mafifi’ was seen pleading for assistance following an apparent smoke inhalation occurrence at shaft number six,” said police.

Anyone with information can anonymously contact Colonel Gaanakgomo at 082 568 5975 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Information can also be communicated via the My SAPS App. |