Africa-Press – Eswatini. An unconfirmed number of emaSwati were among 200 undocumented nationals from different countries who were arrested for illegal mining and other offences in South Africa last month.
In December 2023, the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) dispatched soldiers to Operation Prosper to fight illegal mining and intervene in the illegal activities of ‘zama zamas’ nationally. The soldiers were part of the current South African Army Light Modern Brigade (LMB) activated for the tasking. Operation Prosper Communication Officer Lieutenant Randolph Mokhachane reported that the multi-disciplinary tasks between December 10-20, 2023 yielded E24 730 337 worth of mining and other equipment, as well as 1 800 tonnes plus of chrome stockpile valued at E3.5 million and 218 suspected diamonds.
Diamonds
The chrome ore was recovered in Burgersfort and the diamonds in Kimberley. Chromite is used as a refractory in the production of steel, copper, glass and cement. Other notable confiscations were vehicles and a tipper truck along with six weapons, ranging from 22 rifles to 9mm pistols and ammunition and Mandrax, Nyaope and Zee block meth drugs. An SANDF uniform was also taken from a ‘zama zama’. Mining equipment confiscated and seized included blasting cartridges, detonator cords, fuses, several bakkies, generators, gas bottles, welders, grinders, phendukas, laser cutters and many more others.
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