An investigation done by three Timeslive media company journalist has revealed a shocking underworld of illegal gold mining in South Africa called Zama Zama, mostly from Lesotho but also from neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Mozambique.
Here is the full thread:
THREAD: The following tweets are for the purposes of stories that will appear on @TimesLIVE. The videos and images depicted are deemed to be in the public interest. This is the story of SA's illegal mining gangs and how the Terene factions will affect Lesotho's elections in Oct. pic.twitter.com/eyDTVJqjQz
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
Famo is the name of the music genre the men are dancing to in the previous video. This traditional music from Lesotho's mountain hinterland was the source of conflict between artists such as Mosotho Chakela & his rival musicians. The genre is now inextricably linked to Zama Zamas pic.twitter.com/Hooc0jiGwy
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
Lesotho's ruling All Basotho Convention (ABC) political party is supported by Terene ea Khosi Mokata. Terene ea Chakela supports Democratic Congress (DC). Mokata's leader Sarel Sello, wanted for the Soweto tavern massacre, has rallied for ABC as is shown in this video from June. pic.twitter.com/Qum6k2ifXP
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
The Terene are wooed by Lesotho's politicians. Both ABC and DC have denied to @TimesLIVE that they receive money from either Terene. However, they are open about the fact that these groups are part of their election campaigns. They are regular appearances at rallies. pic.twitter.com/oD0LuzKEKr
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
What this money also gets you is guns. Lots, and lots of guns, such as these relatively modern R5 assault rifles ordered for South African Police Service special operations units. pic.twitter.com/UsCBEqokTz
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
In this video, you can see what appears to be a South African Police Service stun grenade and what looks like an R5/LM5 marksman variant. Perhaps you can help out here @Paratus2014? pic.twitter.com/t2D0I05dg9
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
Outside, an electrician foreman was shot dead by the gang and two other men were injurred. West-Rand District Municipality dispatched the fire brigade to deal with a fire at the electric substation caused by the attack and the men waited for security to arrive. pic.twitter.com/UEThHPWIfi
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
In their droves, heavily armed Zama Zamas infiltrate mines every night. Underground, human trafficking, slavery, prostitution, rape, and murder are rife. Children as young as 13 are sometimes rescued during raids by security services. pic.twitter.com/jjb9r9ga8d
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
Approaches are booby-trapped and rigged with explosives and several security guards have been killed in underground skirmishes or ambushes. pic.twitter.com/yOQ8IdoNkE
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) September 8, 2022
