3 suspected Zamas in deadly NW rock fall arrested, 5 remain in hospital
Updated Aug. 11, 2026, 5:31 p.m. | By JacarandaFM Newswatch Police have confirmed an inquest docket has been registered following the death of 14 suspected…
The Full Story
Updated Aug. 11, 2026, 5:31 p.m. | By JacarandaFM Newswatch
Police have confirmed an inquest docket has been registered following the death of 14 suspected illegal miners at Nkaneng, near Rustenburg.
According to newly appointed provincial commissioner Arthur Adams, the injured men were taken to the Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital for medical attention.
Three have been discharged and taken into police custody, while five are receiving further treatment.
“Preliminary information indicates that a rockfall occurred underground, trapping a number of illegal miners. At this stage, 14 illegal miners, mostly Basotho nationals, have been confirmed dead. I have just visited the hospital where eight other people who were rescued have been admitted for medical treatment,” Adams told reporters.
The group of zama zamas were allegedly manually digging in an excavated area when the walls caved in, trapping the illegal miners inside.
Authorities reported that nearby mine security was informed of the incident by a fellow zama zama who, after reporting the incident, disappeared.
After they were called to the scene, police discovered the deceased illegal miners.
UNKNOWN NUMBER OF MINERS MAY STILL BE TRAPPED
Police, supported by members of the South African National Defense Force, remain on high alert as it is believed that an unknown number of miners may still be trapped underground.
Adams said the incident highlights the dangers of illegal mining.
“These are unlawful activities taking place in areas that are not operating as regulated mining workplaces and where there are no proper safety measures or regulated working conditions. People are entering underground areas at enormous risk to their own lives.
“What has happened here demonstrates, once again, that illegal mining is not a victimless crime. It puts the lives of those underground at risk, places communities in danger and creates fertile ground for organised criminal networks,” he warned.
Adams said the police would continue working together with the SANDF to combat the scourge of illegal mining that has plagued the region for several years.
According to authorities, a permit had been granted to a company to extract PGM (Platinum Group Metals) in the area, and the group of illegal miners were running a clandestine parrallel operation.
The police commissioner said they have identified areas prone to this type of illegal activity.
"We are not only going after the people found underground. We are going after the entire criminal value chain.
"Those who finance these operations, provide equipment, facilitate access, transport illegal miners and ultimately profit from illegally extracted minerals must understand that they are also targets of law enforcement."
Adams also called on community members to work together with authorities and come forward with the names of those create access, provide equipment, and finance illegal mining.
"I probably wouldn't have made it out" - Chad Le Clos opens up…