POLICE are investigating four cases of murder after bodies of Lesotho nationals believed to be zama zamas were found in different spots at a farm.
The bodies were found at a Roodepoort farm outside Polokwane in Limpopo on Monday, 26 September, and Tuesday, 27 September.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that a group of suspected zamas zamas from Lesotho and Zimbabwe were sitting around a fire next to an illegal mining shaft when a group of Sotho-speaking suspects armed with pistols confronted them.
They allegedly robbed them of their cellphones and money and ran into different directions, while firing shots at them.
Four people were killed in the process.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said they received information about an incident in which suspected zama zamas were shot dead by unknown suspects on a farm.
He said on arrival, they found a body of a man lying next to the pathway. He was later identified as a 37-year-old man from Lesotho.
“The search continued until it was later called off for the night. The search operation resumed on Tuesday morning and three more bodies were found in the area next to the illegal mining site.
“It appears they were all shot at while fleeing from the attackers. The three are also Lesotho nationals,” said Mojapelo.
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He said police have opened four murder cases and the motive for the incident is unknown at this stage, but conflict among zama zamas cannot be ruled out.
Mojapelo said: “Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Brandon Mphahlele on 067 093 9828 or 072 294 4760 or CrimeStop on 08600 10111.”
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has asked for operations to be intensified at all identified illegal mining sites in the province and for decisive action to be taken against any illegal activities.
She has also ordered an immediate mobilisation of relevant resources, including a police helicopter, to hunt down the suspects.
“I urge community members to assist the police in the investigation of these killings by providing valuable information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects,” she said.
