Bedroom to mine shaft: shocking tunnel operation revealed in Khuseleka illegal mining raid

About 10 suspects are expected to appear before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday for their first court appearance amid a shocking incident reported.

The group, comprising four South Africans and six foreign nationals, faces charges including illegal mining, tampering with or damaging essential infrastructure, and possession of suspected stolen goods.

A 65-year-old homeowner and a 31-year-old accomplice spent the weekend in police custody.

Police confirmed that the men were arrested by Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team and Rustenburg Public Safety, in the early hours of Thursday at Nkandla informal settlement near Khuseleka 1 Mine.

Reports indicate that the team arrested two suspects following a tip-off.

On Sunday, North West Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani confirmed that eight additional illegal miners, also known as zama-zamas, aged between 16 and 45, were arrested from Friday, September 6, to Saturday, September 7.

“The suspects decided to stay underground when they were trying to evade arrest,” said Funani.

Funani said that it is alleged the homeowner, who lives with his family, used or permitted a group of men to use one of the bedrooms as an entrance to the nearby Khuseleka Mineshaft.

“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,” Funani said.

Police 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.

”It is alleged the eight suspects saw the police coming into a house at Tlhabane, a house that they used to enter Khuseleka Mineshaft. They were arrested after they decided to finally come out,” Funani said.

According to another occupant who did an interview with Newzroom Afrika, a group of men approached the homeowners and gave them no choice but to use their house for illegal mining activity.

The occupant mentioned that they have children who cannot freely enjoy their home because of the suspects who go in and out. She further alleged that when suspects come out with suspected stolen goods, they reverse-park into their yard, load them leave. The occupant further said they have tried to report the matter to other neighbours; however, they were scared of the alleged perpetrators amid they were threatened with death. She said she was not aware of any money paid to the suspect aged 65.

According to reports, it cannot be ruled out that more houses might be used for the alleged criminal activities.

Police said investigations continue.

The Star

ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za