South Africa: Nine illegal miners stoned to death in ‘barbaric attack’
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Nine Lesotho nationals, who were reportedly involved in illegal mining, were murdered in Johannesburg on Friday in an attack allegedly carried out by fellow “zama-zamas” – a South African term for people involved in the illicit trade. “The suspects are now accusing the deceased of being involved in criminal activities which attract the police into their illegal mining operational space,” said a statement issued by SAPS. “We condemn this barbaric attack and we will ensure we leave no stone unturned in making the people of Matholeville and Roodepoort feel safe,” Lieutenant General Mawela said. “Many thousands of people are currently estimated to be involved in illegal mining, both directly and indirectly,” the industry organisation's website states.