Suspected zama zamas 'move from underground to other cities', reveals EMPD

JOHANNESBURG - Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers say the seven suspected illegal miners they arrested in Germiston are part of a group with a network of underground tunnels that lead to various parts of the city.

On Tuesday, EMPD’s Illegal Mining Task Team was met with gunfire from a heavily armed gang of suspected illegal miners near the Simmer and Jack Landfill site in Primrose. 

Police responded with gunfire, resulting in at least three of the seven suspected illegal miners sustaining injuries.

Rapid gunfire could be heard by residents of Primrose emanating from the vicinity of the Simmer and Jack Landfill site.

EMPD’s deputy chief of operations and specialised units general Julius Mkhwanazi says his members were conducting an operation when they were fired upon.

READ: UPDATE: 7 suspected zama zamas arrested in Primrose, Ekurhuleni

"This is a daily thing when they come and respond, these suspects come and shoot at them. Fortunately from our side, it’s a tactical trained team so no one was injured but we were able to get all the suspects."

Mkhwanazi said the rivalry between feuding zama zama gangs over turf has been a longstanding issue in Primrose.

"This is one of the hotspots in the city. These holes don’t end here they go towards Johannesburg, towards the eastern side of Ekurhuleni, these people move from underground to other cities and they’re giving us challenges."

Police arrested seven suspected illegal miners and recovered four firearms.