Zama Zamas
latest news & developmentsOrganised Crime Index 2025: South Africa a continental hotspot for criminal networks
Human trafficking, cybercrime, drug routes and wildlife poaching are surging as South Africa becomes a regional crime hub
Zama zamas on the agenda at alternative mining indaba
There are thought to be at least 50 000 informal miners working underground in South Africa
‘I’m fighting for my sons’ lives,’ says father of trapped illegal miners in Krugersdorp
The relatives of illegal artisanal miners who are trapped underground in in a flooded mine shaft say that the authorities have failed to help them
Illegal mining proliferates when the state fails to issue closure certificates and regulate compliance
The problem has wide-ranging socio-economic and environmental impacts, says a draft mine closure strategy
Ugly vegetables create a beautiful story
A small agricultural miracle is transforming a community in the Cradle of Humankind
Illegal miners arrested this week have not been linked to M1 highway robbery, police say
On Tuesday, motorists were robbed at gunpoint at the Crown Interchange during peak Johannesburg traffic
Artisanal miners ‘brutalised’ in SANDF clampdown
Army clampdown has led to assaults and the property of legal miners being confiscated
Illegal mining: Roodepoort residents are ‘prisoners’ of turf wars
The displacement of illegal artisanal mining gangs by the police causes the miners to flee to other areas, resulting in violent turf wars that spill over into neighbouring areas
Illegal mining: High risks to environment, infrastructure
The effect of illegal mining includes sabotaged pipelines that contaminate the environment, illegal water usage, sinkholes, underground fires and explosions
Criminal syndicates, as well as individuals, part of illegal gold mining on the West Rand
Castigating, rather than encouraging, business leaders when they advocate for harsh interventions sets us all back
Call for war on zama zamas will not bring peace to South Africa’s platinum belt
Once Sibanye-Stillwater has cleaned up its own side of the street, Neal Froneman may be in a better position to advocate for better behaviour by others
Report: Police action, policy responses to artisanal mining ‘misguided’
The report by the Enhancing Africa’s Response to Transnational Organised Crime found that current enforcement and policy responses, which criminalise artisanal miners, “are…
Police take bribes from artisanal miners, West Rand residents say
The police say that allegations of complicity by some officers in the service are common and called for people to come forward with evidence
South Africa’s closed mines must not shaft people
The government’s vision for mined land: farms, tourism and self-generation of electricity
Blyvooruitzicht: A glimmer of hope between the sewage, rats and fear
‘Thrown away like rubbish’ — Residents of what was once a rich mining town have survived the seven years since the mine closed