Introduction 

Following the rape of eight girls in Krugersdorp, the illegal miners became the center of mainstream media and law agencies in South Africa. Illegal miners are people involved in mining without the government’s permission. The illegal miners are “Zama Zama’s“, a Zulu name meaning “those who try their luck”. The rape incident occurred in Krugersdorp, where the girls were part of the crew taking a music video at an abandoned mine. The Zama Zamas, who was covered by blankets, believed to be of Basotho origin men raped and robbed everyone of their belongings. The Basotho Zama Zama’s is believed to be the epitome of the “Marashea gang”, which has operated in the mines since the 1940s. 

The history of the Marasheas Gang 

According to Kynoch Gary, since the 1940s, the Basotho nationals have been closely linked to the mines. The name Marashea surfaced in the late 1940s and was taken from Russians. The 1963 Alien Act prohibited the Basotho nationals from working in industries other in South Africa besides agriculture and mining. The legislation has intensified the presence of the Basotho nationals in mines. Ever since the bill was passed in 1963, the mining sector has been marked as the stronghold of the Basotho nationals. 

The purpose of the Marashea Gang

The Marashea’s purpose in South Africa was to protect the Basotho nationals in mines against other gangs’ attacks. The gang was a peaceful movement that sought to protect the Basotho nationals who were vulnerable to attacks. Unfortunately, the gang has lost its objectives. They have emerged as a violent gang that robs, rapes and terrorizes communities living near abandoned mines. The Marashea gang only existed in South Africa because it did not serve any purpose in their home country, Lesotho. These allegations have been confirmed by law agencies and community members affected. The Marashea gang came to the spotlight after the gang raped eight girls at Krugersdorp South Africa. Before the rape and robbery incident at Krugersdorp, the Marashea gang have been carrying out their activities covertly, without the rest of the country aware of their vicious and awful crimes.

What measures can be taken against illegal miners?

The government should intervene and strengthen its border legislation that controls illegal immigrants. The government should increase the visibility of law agencies (Police, South African National Defense Force and Private Securities). Illegal miners are more heavily armed than the police force. Lastly, greater rehabilitation of mines that are abandoned should be undertaken to benefit the local community.

Conclusion

Illegal miners are becoming a big problem in South Africa; nearby communities are mostly affected by their crimes. There are arguments citing that the current Basotho illicit miners in South Africa are not the Marashea gang. The Marasheas did not terrorize communities but instead protected them. The law agencies must intervene to protect the communities against the vicious crimes of the illegal miners.