Boy, 13, among group of suspected zama zamas arrested in East Rand police crackdown

Gauteng police have arrested more than 30 suspected illegal miners during a bust on the East Rand.

They were arrested as part of the police's Operation Ke Molao in Benoni on Thursday.

The operation was led by Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko and Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.

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The youngest of those arrested is 13 years old. The suspected zama zamas were found with explosives and other equipment used for illegal mining, said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.

Gauteng police have arrested more than 30 suspected illegal miners during a bust on the East Rand.

Supplied SAPS

Gauteng police have arrested more than 30 suspected illegal miners during a bust on the East Rand.

Supplied SAPS

Gauteng police have arrested more than 30 suspected illegal miners during a bust on the East Rand.

Supplied SAPS

"The police destroyed the structures used as workshops and hiding places by the illegal miners. The suspects will be charged under legislation related to illegal mining activities and illegal possession of explosives, among other crimes," he added.

Masondo said the alleged illegal miners would be processed by the Department of Home Affairs as they were suspected to be undocumented immigrants.