The N4 near Mashoboto, was closed briefly on Tuesday, following a shootout with police and illegal miners (Zama-Zamas).
The road stretching to Schoemanskloof, had to be closed in both directions.
Jackie Macie, MEC of Mpumalanga’s Community Safety, Security and Liaison, condemned illegal mining activity, saying the police will intensify Operation Vala Umgodi (close the hole) and Shanela (sweeping clean).
A body of a man was also found, suspected to have been murdered by those illegal miners.
To this, Macie said “we must vigorously persue all those involved in illegal mining throughout the Province. We must arrest not only Zama Zamas on the ground, but also kingpins behind these operations, regardless of who they are. Our people deserve to live in peace.”
Macie also said illegal mining had led to environmental degradation, pollution and threats to agriculture and food security.
Picture: Supplied