VIDEO: Police say armed men in Bapong viral images are private security, not Zama Zamas

By Lebone Rodah Mosima 

Police have said that claims circulating in videos on social media that heavily armed zama zamas are guarding illegal mining sites in Bapong, North West province, are false.

SAPS National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said that the individuals depicted in the clips were appointed by the Bapo Ba Mogale Tribal Council.

There was an ongoing joint law enforcement operation that intended to prevent and combat illegal mining, she said.

The posts were “misleading and false,” she said.

Mosikili is the chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS). She made the comments while speaking to the Bapong community, and was accompanied by senior police officials.

“Plans are afoot to ensure we augment [the joint operation] and add to the existing capacity based on what we have uncovered thus far. We have also been briefed on the ongoing operations through Operation Shanela.”

Operation