As the issue of illegal miners, popularly known as zama zamas, continues to plague parts of the country and fights between competing zama zama gangs deepen in their battle for gold turf, fears grow that things will only get worse.
According to reports, tensions have risen on Gauteng’s West Rand following the kidnapping and murder of a known zama zama kingpin by a suspected rival gang.
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Ntuta Sechaba, a 53-year-old Basotho national, was abducted from the parking lot of a business in Randfontein on Thursday last week.
Sechaba was one of four zama zama kingpins believed to operate on the West Rand.
According to police spokeswoman Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a kidnapping complaint has been filed.
The next day, scores of police officers descended on Randfontein, while a police helicopter was dispatched to search the area.
Sources close to the operation confirmed to Eyewitness News that police had been dispatched to seek for Sechaba.
Sechaba is said to have had close ties with senior police officers.
His kidnappers are said to have sought an R1-million ransom for his release.
Sechaba’s dead body was found dumped in a field in the area on Monday.
“The victim was found dead with a gunshot wound. No suspects arrested and police investigations continue on a murder case,” said Nevhuhulwi.
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Sechaba sustained two gunshot wounds, one to the chest and one to the back of the head.
Police denied any operation being conducted in the area on the day, however, Eyewitness News confirmed with two independent sources from the operation.
Fears among those in the area are mounting that a possible retaliation to avenge Sechaba’s death may be on the cards.
