The men who were arrested on, in Carletonville and Khutsong, are alleged to be buying gold covered in soil from zama zamas , processing and selling it.
A defence lawyer representing six alleged kingpins behind an illegal mining syndicate was dealt a heavy blow in court when his request to have his clients released on bail fell on deaf ears.
A spat over citizenship ensued on Wednesday in the Carletonville magistrate’s court as alleged zama zamas appeared on several charges relating to illegal mining on the West Rand.