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95 Foreign Nationals Among 105 Zama Zamas Arrested as Mpumalanga Police Smash Illegal Mining Networks and Destroy Gold Processing Equipment in Pilgrim's Rest A week-long Mpumalanga police operation targeting illegal mining in Pilgrim's Rest resulted in the arrest of 105 suspected zama zamas. Among those arrested were 91 undocumented foreign nationals as police intensified efforts to disrupt illicit mining activities and dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the historic town. The operation focused on illegal mining networks and led to the seizure of equipment and materials allegedly used in the illicit trade. Police recovered 14 bags of gold-bearing material, more than 100 phendukas used to process gold, numerous motors and mining tools, as well as R16,300 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal mining activities. Police also destroyed a large quantity of confiscated equipment at the scene to prevent the suspects from rebuilding their illegal operations. The items destroyed included refinement drums, gas cylinders, generators and shovels. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended officers for their work and said operations against illegal mining would continue across Mpumalanga. The 105 arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Police said the operation dealt a significant setback to illegal mining activities in Pilgrim's Rest as authorities continue targeting criminal syndicates involved in the unlawful extraction and processing of gold in the province.