MORE than 18 zama zamas appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrates Court facing charges of illegal mining.
These zama zamas were arrested on Wednesday, 27 September at the Margaret Shaft mine in Stilfontein.
North West Hawks spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said efforts to clamp down on illegal mining continue to bear fruit.
The arrest just came a day after two bodies were found wrapped in plastic bags and were alleged to be that of zama zamas.
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Daily Sun has learnt that the arrests were effected during a disruptive operation, and items seized during the operation include a 9mm pistol, 14 AK47 live ammunition, explosives, and mining equipment.
The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation welcomed the arrests and lauded the team's relentless efforts in fighting the plague of illegal mining in the province.
All the zama zamas were remanded in custody.
