Implats Munroe News Today

Illegal mining has long been a problem in South Africa, though now thefts of equipment are becoming a major worry.

South African miners are battling a growing threat miles underground in the world's deepest platinum shafts: Gangs stealing copper cables and disrupting operations.

The country’s platinum giants are struggling to contain the syndicates of trespassers known as “zama zamas” — a Zulu name that means “take a chance.”

Enticed by high copper prices, thieves are sneaking in and stripping metal from power cables.