A fresh wave of zama zama violence has shaken Elukwatini, a township about an hour from the old mining town of Barberton in Mpumalanga.
Police have confirmed that a group of suspected illegal miners, believed to be foreign nationals, stormed several taverns in Tjakastad on Sunday night. Patrons were beaten at random.
Multiple victims
Multiple people were injured. One victim remains in critical condition in hospital.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula described the assaults as disturbing. She condemned the rise in violence linked to illegal mining.
“On Sunday, 25 May 2025, at around 19:30, a group of suspected illegal foreign nationals, believed to be zama zamas, allegedly went on an assault spree at several liquor outlets in Tjakastad near Elukwatini,” she said.
“It is reported that multiple patrons were severely injured. One victim is currently in critical condition and was transferred to hospital.”
Magagula warned that such violent acts will not be tolerated.
“The police in Mpumalanga have strongly condemned the recent surge in violent attacks targeting community members in their homes and at local taverns,” she said.
“These acts of violence not only threaten the safety and well-being of residents but also erode the sense of security within our communities.”
She added that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been opened. This was based on the victim who came forward.
Assault case opened
“At present, a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been opened by a 43-year-old male. He sustained multiple injuries to his back and hands. However, further cases may still be opened as more victims come forward,” Magagula said.
The attacks in Elukwatini mark a troubling escalation in Mpumalanga’s illegal mining crisis.
In towns like Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie, zama zamas have taken over abandoned shafts. Armed syndicates now operate with impunity.
In Sabie, more than 150 illegal miners were trapped underground in December 2024. Only a handful survived. Three bodies were recovered.
Survivors later told police they were forced into the mine by gunmen. Some were undocumented men from Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Barberton, once a gold rush town, has become part of a volatile corridor of informal mining that stretches across the province.
Province battling surge in illegal mining
Lily Mine near Barberton has also drawn former workers into illegal mining. Many turned to zama zama operations after being left jobless by the 2016 mine collapse that killed three of their colleagues.
Sunday World previously reported that some of these men returned to the collapsed shaft in desperation. They now face the same life-threatening risks, with no legal protection or equipment.
Despite ongoing raids, it seems the syndicates are becoming more sophisticated and harder to trace.
“The SAPS remains committed to restoring safety and maintaining law and order throughout Mpumalanga,” said Magagula.
Public urged to help manhunt
Back in Elukwatini, the manhunt for Sunday’s attackers is under way. Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the brutal acts.
“We cannot and will not tolerate acts of violence that endanger innocent lives. Whether in public spaces or private homes,” said Mkhwanazi.
“We urge community members to work closely with the police, report suspicious activities, and avoid harbouring criminals. Perpetrators of these crimes will be tracked down and brought to justice.”
The police have appealed to the public to contact Detective Constable Pleasure Zwane at 066 455 9258, or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the MYSAPS App.
