Everson Luhanga

This article was first published in July 2023. We are sharing it again because of the current situation in Stilfontein, where miners are suffering underground.

Every day, when the zama zamas enter the deadly tunnels, there is no guarantee they will come out alive.

They risk being killed by a rockfall or a collapsing shaft and they face dangerous underground rivals who are armed to the teeth.

Every day is a desperate dice with death.

As a journalist, I have taken many risks, but I have never known anything like the perilous life of a zama zama.

When I told the zama zamas I’ve been working with that I wanted to go underground, they advised against it.

It is very possible that you could come out of the tunnels with a permanent injury or I might emerge feet first – or I might never come out at all, forever lost in the dark depths of the tunnels.

A young man told me to go away and lose some weight as my body structure would not fit into the narrow and dark tunnels.

I insisted and they let me in at my own risk. 

As I went down with a torch and a rope around my waist, I wondered if I had undertaken a suicide mission. I prayed I would live to get my experience down on paper.

With a group of four zama zamas, I descended into an abandoned mine shaft in Robertsville near Florida west of Johannesburg. 

At about 25 metres I suddenly lost sight of the zama zamas. In the blackest of darkness, I felt terribly alone.

In my panic I had even forgotten the names of the zama zamas who had taken me into the shaft with them. 

I shouted out loud, desperate to know that I was not alone, but all I heard was the echo of my own voice. 

Then I heard laughter and heard them whispering to each other. It was their idea of a joke. I also laughed.

They told me we needed to go deeper. I crawled on my hands and knees but when I banged my head against a rock. I decided to slither on my stomach using my elbows to move forward.

All the while I was praying that I would not meet armed gang members or that a rockfall would close my escape route or even kill me. 

Hours later, the zamas told me we were going to the surface.

The words were magic to my ears. The sight of a glimmer of light in the distance, indicating the end of the journey, was the light of hope. 

All I wanted was to get out alive and not surface in a body bag with my corpse riddled with bullets. 

The moment I got out I rejoiced at the smell of the fresh air racing into my dust-filled lungs. I appreciated the fresh air and sunlight as I had never done before.

While sitting quietly with my underground companions a group of men emerged from the same tunnell. 

They were carrying the body of a young man.

“That could have been me,” I thought.

I found myself crying for the dead man. He was too young to die and in such a manner – all in pursuit of the gold dust that represents a means of providing for their families.

I felt shattered. I had completed a lifetime ambition to experience the deadly underground world of the zama zama. It was an experience that I will be pleased to never try again. As for me, I will stick to my pen and paper.

By Everson Luhanga

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, held their National Prestige Awards at the Batter Boys Guest House in Pretoria on Friday morning.

The awards honoured Hawks officers who root out crime in society with their investigative skills.

The Hawks’ deputy national head, Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi, delivered the keynote address in which he highlighted several notable achievements of the unit in uncovering serious corruption, commercial crime and organised crime.

“Our winners are the heroes. Their commitment, dedication and sacrifice are making a great positive change to our society,” he said, thanking the families of investigators who support them, often after working hours.

“To all the winners, you have shown the love for your work. Your peers and colleagues will be inspired by the work you have done,” Nkosi said. 

Officials from international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the United Kingdom, Canada and France attended the event. 

Speaking on behalf of the international dignitaries, John Connell from the FBI said they were honoured by the cooperation from the Hawks which made their investigations in South Africa successful.

In the category of serious corruption investigation, the award went to Captain Rudzani Makanamise, with Warrant Officer GJ Fick and Sergeant A Bizani named as runners-up.

Constable NE Nzimande from the Eastern Cape was a winner in the serious commercial crime category. He investigated fraud and money laundering cases and recovered R774,160 that was stolen.

Warrant Officer SM Ntshangase from KwaZulu-Natal walked away with the award for best investigator of organised crime for his probe into police murders in the province.

The national head award went to Lieutenant Colonel Coetzer, who lost a limb in a shootout with criminals in Makhado when the Hawks shot and killed 19 criminals on 1 September 2023.

The officer was given a four-day holiday stay in Mauritius with his family.

Pictured above: Some of the winners at the Hawks prestige awards ceremony held at the Batter Boys Guest House in Pretoria on Friday.

Image source: Everson Luhanga

PICK OF THE SPORT: South Africa could get its very first UFC champion and you won’t want to miss the action, recommends Dylan Bettencourt. 

Dricus du Plessis is on the brink of making history and Sunday morning will be his moment to make it happen. Du Plessis is looking to become the first South African to lift UFC gold. 

He is fighting Sean Strickland for the middleweight belt in the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Sunday morning. 

The 30-year-old has only had six previous fights in the UFC, winning all of them and leading him to the verge of winning gold. 

However, Du Plessis has a tough task ahead of him. Strickland, the current champion, is no easy man to defeat.

Strickland may look the better striker but as Du Plessis says so often after his victories: “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie,” which translates to: “They don’t know what we know”. The fighter is once again, as South Africans often are, an underdog. 

Du Plessis has a real chance to claim victory with his wrestling game which looks superior to that of his opponent. 

And with the power at his disposal, one punch is all he needs to become a middleweight champion. 

The fight will be live on DStv channel 201 from 5am, so set those alarm clocks! 

➤ The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) continues into its second weekend as Algeria kicks the action off against Burkina Faso at 4pm on Saturday. Mauritania then takes on Angola at 7pm before Tunisia faces Mali at 10pm. 

Sunday will begin with Morocco facing Congo at 4 pm before Zambia takes on Tanzania at 7pm. 

Bafana Bafana then have a do-or-die game against Namibia at 10pm. Following their opening game defeat against Mali, Bafana need to win if they are to stand any chance of progressing to the Afcon knockout stages. 

All the fixtures will be live on DStv channel 202.

➤  Expect a great weekend of rugby for South African teams.

The match to watch is the Stormers in Paris against Stade Francais in near-freezing conditions. The Stormers are riding high at the moment and had a convincing win against Sale Sharks last week, although they got tatty towards the end as just about all the players were showboating their way to victory. Hopefully, John Dobson will have convinced his team to take the game seriously. They can’t lose this one . . . or can they?

The Bulls, playing at home, are tipped to beat Bordeaux Begles, but it is going to be a tough match. Bordeaux have won their last three matches by an amazing 100 points but the Bulls are playing great rugby, and are fielding a top team.

The Cheetahs would not have pleased coach Hawies Fourie with their loss to Pau. Oyonnax have not had a win this year and the Cheetahs should make amends this weekend.

The Lions and the Ospreys are on the same tournament points, but the Lions are at home. Ellis Park, unfortunately, will be empty again so there will be very little home ground advantage.

Hopefully, the Sharks have clicked into gear – if only first gear – and will hopefully beat the Dragons. The weather in Wales is going to be very cold, possibly wet, with a howling wind. You wouldn’t send your Siberian husky out in weather like that.

Bulls vs Bordeaux Beagles on Saturday at 3pm

Oyonnax vs Cheetahs on Saturday at 5.15pm

Stormers vs Stade Francais on Saturday at 7.30pm

Lions vs Ospreys on Sunday at 3pm

Dragons vs Sharks on Sunday at 7.30pm

All the rugby matches can be watched live on DStv channel 211. Many of the other matches will also be screened on DStv.

➤ The Premier League is back and, like last weekend, there are only four fixtures. 

Arsenal kick things off with a London derby against Crystal Palace at 2.30pm before Brentford take on Nottingham Forest at 7.30pm. 

Sunday kicks off with Sheffield United hosting West Ham United at 4pm before Liverpool take on Bournemouth at 6.30pm. 

All the fixtures will be live on DStv channel 203. 

Pictured above: Dricus du Plessis. 

Image source: X

By Doreen Mokgolo

Fearing for his life, one of two men who has allegedly been terrorising townships in the east of Ekurhuleni handed himself over to the police after his picture was circulated on various social media platforms on Wednesday.

The two suspects moved from one township to another in a white Nissan Almera in recent weeks, robbing residents of their cellphones and laptops either in the streets or in their homes.

On Wednesday, residents of KwaThema, Duduza and Tsakeni took a decision to hunt down the suspects after they robbed two families whose relatives had gathered to organise the funerals of their loved ones.

Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, pensioner Sonto Dlamini from KwaThema said mourners were sitting in a bedroom when armed men ordered them to move to the living room.

“The two suspects didn’t cover their faces or care that we would be able to identify them later. They were only interested in our cellphones,” she said.

“They ordered that we unlock them . . . one of the neighbours negotiated to keep her cellphone by offering the suspects R100, and they accepted it.” 

Dlamini said the suspects threatened to kill them if they didn’t hand over their phones.

“All we want is for the suspects to be arrested for traumatising us when we are weak and vulnerable,” Dlamini said.

Duduza police spokesperson Sergeant Harry Manaka confirmed that a man was arrested on Thursday after handing himself over to the police.

“This is after his picture was circulated on social media platforms as one of the two suspects. While in the station one of the victims who was there to report her case immediately identified him as the suspect who had robbed her,” he said.

“The suspect is facing charges of armed robbery and will appear before the Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court.” 

Manaka said the police are working with other stations on the matter and that dockets related to the case will be transferred to the Duduza police for further investigation.

Pictured above: Some of the robbery victims outside KwaThema police station.

Image source: Doreen Mokgolo

By Everson Luhanga

A church in Kagiso burnt to ashes on Monday after it was struck by lightning. 

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Extension 6  could only look on in horror as it burnt to the ground.

However, some opportunists — described by some churchgoers as “angels of Satan” — ransacked the church of its belongings.

A resident who is a member of the church said it was sad that people took advantage of such a situation.

“Instead of people helping by putting out the fire, they helped themselves by stealing from the church,” he said.

He said the church is also used as a place where unemployed people, especially the youth, can use computers and free internet to look for job opportunities. 

“The thieves stole laptops and other valuables before the fire destroyed everything in that building. It was a bad sight to witness,” he said.

The man, who didn’t want to be identified, said the fire started after terrible thunder sounded. 

“The lightning was so bad. We soon saw the church burning. Some people tried to help put out the fire and there was mild rainfall but that was not enough to save the house of God.”

Church member Siphokazi Thole, who stays in the area, said God will punish the people who took advantage of the situation by stealing from the church. 

Pictured above: A church in Kagiso burnt to ashes on Monday.

Image source: Supplied

By Buziwe Nocuze

Is the video of a law enforcement officer helping children return a horse-drawn cart they were riding in a DA election stunt?

The video, posted by DA Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie, shows the officer riding with four minors in the horse-drawn cart in the Bonteheuwel area.

A Bonteheuwel resident, speaking anonymously, laughed when she saw the video.

“We know that politicians do everything to get votes. That law enforcement officer was doing his job by making sure that the minors riding the horse and cart were safe. Why are we praising people for doing what they are paid to do?” she asked.

“What we saw in that video is not new, why is it a big issue now? What I know is that everyone wants to sell themselves to community members to get votes. Even so, we will vote wisely.”

McKenzie said law enforcement officers are not politicians or affiliated with any political party.

“Their primary duty is to enforce laws, keep communities safe, and ensure peace. They were not doing it for politics but primarily for the communities which they took an oath to serve,” McKenzie said.

He said the officer immediately took control of the horse and cart, returned it to safety, and made sure the children were safe as well.

Western Cape Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, said the horse and cart were not impounded, but the officer helped the youngsters get to safety as they were struggling to control the horse.

“The horses are allowed to be on the road if they have a permit – there is a yellow registration plate which they are required to have on display on the cart. If they don’t comply, they can be issued with a fine or the horse can be confiscated and taken to the SPCA,” Dyason said.

Cape Town’s law enforcement officers do not have police powers but are deployed to assist them and enforce by-laws. If they arrest anyone, the suspect has to be handed over to the police.

Pictured above: A screenshot of the viral video. 

Image source: X

By Anita Dangazele

The class of 2023 has produced the highest pass rate since the dawn of democracy at 82.9%. 

A total of 897,775 learners sat for the 2023 matric final exams in November.

On their first day in Grade 1 there were 1.2 million learners, but thousands have dropped out over the years.

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga released the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in Randburg on Thursday night.

The Free State maintained its dominance with 89.3%, while KwaZulu-Natal surprised everyone by securing the second spot with 86.36%. Gauteng landed the third spot with 85.38%. 

North West, Western Cape and Eastern Cape all did remarkably well, closely following each other with less than a percentage difference with 81.63%, 81.54% and 81.42% respectively. 

Meanwhile, in the bottom three, Limpopo led with the highest improvement at 79.54%, followed by Mpumalanga at 76.95% and the Northern Cape at the tail end with 75.84%. 

The number of bachelor passes increased, to 40.9% in 2023 — up from 38.4% in 2022.

This was revealed in the technical briefing report by Basic Education Director-General Mathanzima Mweli.

“To just give you a glimpse, out of 10 pupils, four pupils [presented] with bachelors, in terms of the 900,000 candidates who enrolled for the NSC in 2023.

“Which means it has increased from last year,” he said.

The Independent Examination Board (IEB) earlier announced that pupils who wrote examinations through the IEB achieved a 98.46% pass rate in the 2023 exams. It was a slight improvement from the 98.42% rate in 2022. 

Pictured above: Class of 2023 national top achievers during the announcement of the matric results in Randburg on Thursday night.

Image source: Gauteng Department of Education / X

By Doreen Mokgolo

With the change in the music landscape, young and old musicians are moving with the times and changing their sound to amapiano.

Legendary musician Blondie Makhene, who is popularly known for his famous struggle songs, has decided to add the amapiano flavour to his latest project to attract young people. 

Unfortunately, his fans might not get the opportunity to enjoy this project as the musician doesn’t have the funds for the project.

The musician is popularly known for using his singing talent during the apartheid era with songs like “Too Many People”, which was released in 1993. 

His last album, Sthunywa Sami, was released in 2014.

Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, Makhene said over the years he has recorded enough songs to release two albums. The only thing blocking the release is funding.

“I have been working with young artists who approached me to be their mentor and have since assisted in redirecting my music. Change is good, and to remain relevant in this industry one needs to continuously rebrand themselves. 

“My role as a musician is to come up with music that will inspire hope and motivate my fans. Just because I have added amapiano it doesn’t mean the message will change,” he said. 

In recent years Makhene has been at the forefront of fighting gender-based violence (GBV), using his talent and influence. 

“I am concerned about the senseless killing of women and children; we are an angry society and many of us didn’t heal or seek healing post-1994.

“Many of us are triggered by the smallest incident to extreme actions which could have been avoided if we invested in our mental health.

“I have decided to be part of the change that I want to see in my community by stepping forward to help. My voice and music are the only tools I have and know to be influential,” he said.

Pictured above: Blondie Makhene.

Image above: Supplied 

By Everson Luhanga

Only three officers were on duty at the Verulam Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal when it was robbed by a gang on Sunday. 

A private security company – Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) – was asked to help trace the armed suspects who had robbed the cop shop.

Officers who reported for work on Monday morning were shocked to discover that some of the offices at the station showed evidence of forced entry.

Criminals broke into the sector managers, communications, and supply chain management offices. It is reported that several valuables were stolen in all three offices.

However, police reported that the suspects made off only with a fan, stationery, and electrical cords.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshunda confirmed the incident. He said police in Verulam are investigating a case of burglary after an alleged break-in at the support offices of the Verulam Police Station on Sunday.

“The doors of the offices were broken and a fan, stationery, and electrical cords were stolen,” he said.

This robbery is one of several other similar incidents at this police station.

In July 2023, a branded Verulam SAPS vehicle was stolen from the police station premises.

It was later recovered on Court Road in the Verulam CBD, missing its stereo and spare tyre.

A hijacked Isuzu bakkie, impounded by the authorities at the same police station, was also stolen from the premises. A private security company recovered the vehicle a week later in Mhlasini.

Pictured above: Signs of a breakin at the Verulam Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal.

Image source: Supplied

By Celani Sikhakhane

Simlindele Khumalo, a 19-year-old rural matric student from Ondini High School, has beaten the odds to become a celebrated hero in his village of kwaCeza in uLundi.

He has been invited by Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga to be part of a ceremony at Mosaïek Church in Randburg on Thursday evening so that he may be honoured as one of the country’s top achievers.

Simlindele has worked tirelessly for the last year, refusing to be held back by over 300 days blighted by load shedding.

Simlindele’s home, where he lives with his single mum and siblings, was a hive of activity on Tuesday after he received the invitation from the minister.

Simlindele told Scrolla.Africa that his love for education and the advice he received from his uncle Phakamani Mtshali, who is a teacher at the James Nxumalo School of Agriculture, helped him to work hard for his examinations.

“I’m grateful to my uncle and my teachers for their hard work which resulted in this celebration. I also thank my fellow matric students. We work hard to be the top achievers of our school,” he said. 

“With my fellow students, we put God in everything that we do because we believe that it is not our intelligence alone that helps us to excel in our studies.”

Although he hasn’t received his test scores yet, he said his subjects were Mathematics, Life Science, IsiZulu, English, Physical Science and Accounting. 

His proud mother, Scelokuhle Khumalo, 43, said that this is the first of her children to complete matric.

“He is the eldest of three children. His siblings will have to take a leaf from his book because they are still in lower grades. I raised him alone as a single parent because his father left us when Simlindele was doing Grade one.

“His father is alive but is living somewhere else. After this news I didn’t even receive a call from him to congratulate his son,” she said.

Ondini principal Ntombifuthi Cookman said that they are proud of Simlindele and his class of matric 2023.

Ulundi Mayor Wilson Ntshangase and the executive visited Simlindele and handed him spending money to use on his trip to Randburg.

Simlindele took his first-ever flight on a plane on Wednesday to go to Gauteng with his mother and uncle to attend Thursday’s matric result ceremony.

Next stop: UCT, one of three universities that accepted his application. He plans to study medicine and specialise as a neurologist.

Pictured above: Top matric achiever Simlindele Khumalo (front centre), pictured alongside his school principal, Mrs Ntombifuthi Cookman (left) and the Mayor of Ulundi Local Municipality, Wilson Ntshangase (right).

Image source: Supplied