Six suspected illegal miners found dead in Mpumalanga

The bodies of six suspected illegal miners have been found in the mountainous area of Mashobote in Ngodwana in Mpumalanga.

The bodies were discovered after a community member noticed them and alerted authorities on Saturday morning.

Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says preliminary police investigations point to a shootout between rival illegal mining groups known as zama zamas operating in the area.

“Police in Mpumalanga opened a case of murder with six counts following the discovery of six bodies of suspected illegal miners in Mashobote, Ngodwana policing precinct.

At this stage, circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation.” #sapsMP [POLICE INVESTIGATE A CASE OF MURDER AFTER SIX BODIES OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS WERE DISCOVERED IN NGODWANA AREA] The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has opened a case of murder, with six counts, following the discovery of six bodies of suspected… pic.twitter.com/iuezWHOxOc — SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) August 29, 2026