JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: The government has refused assistance to a group of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine in North West province, as part of a law enforcement operation aimed at deterring illegal mining.
The miners believed to be between 350 and 400 in number, are reportedly suffering from a lack of food and water after authorities blocked supply routes to force them to surface and face arrest.
This police operation, known as Vala Umgodi (“Close the Hole”), was launched to cut off supplies to illegal miners in Stilfontein and other North West province sites. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that initial estimates of up to 4,000 miners underground were likely exaggerated.
“We feel that the numbers are being exaggerated. We have deployed maximum resources to this case, including our intelligence operatives, who are on the ground and have engaged with all stakeholders. We have managed to estimate the numbers to be between 350 and 400.”
“No police officer, soldier, or government official will go into an abandoned mine due to the high risk to life,” Mathe said, adding that the miners may be heavily armed.
Since the start of anti-mining operations in December, police have seized over 369 firearms, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and uncut diamonds worth approximately 32 million rand (US$1.75 million).
Police Minister Bheki Cele and Defense Minister Thandi Modise are expected to visit Stilfontein to consult with local officials and community members affected by the illegal mining activities. These activities have caused issues ranging from robberies to violent crimes in nearby areas. These criminal operations are often run by organized syndicates, employing miners from neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, police continue to monitor exit points at the mine to detain anyone attempting to leave the shaft. In recent weeks, over 1,000 miners have surfaced across the region, many appearing weak and malnourished after spending extended periods underground without basic supplies.
Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reiterated the government’s stance, stating, “We are not sending help to criminals. They will come out. Criminals are not to be helped.”
The presence of illegal miners in South Africa’s old mining regions, where they dig for remaining gold deposits, remains a persistent issue.
