South Africa's government has taken a firm stance against a group of illegal miners trapped inside a closed mine in the North West province. The miners in Stilfontein are facing dire conditions, lacking access to basic supplies such as food and water after police sealed off their underground entrances as part of the Vala Umgodi operation to combat illegal mining.
Initial reports suggested up to 4,000 miners could be underground, but police now estimate the number to be between 350 and 400, dispelling the exaggerated figures. The authorities have deployed significant resources to the situation, including intelligence operatives engaging with stakeholders on the ground.
The police have emphasized the dangers of entering abandoned mines due to the high risk of loss of life, especially considering reports that the miners may be heavily armed. Since December, law enforcement has seized numerous firearms, ammunition, cash, and uncut diamonds in operations against illegal mining.
Recent weeks have seen over 1,000 miners emerging from various mines in the North West province, many in poor health due to prolonged periods underground without essential supplies. The government has made it clear that they will not provide assistance to the illegal miners, labeling their actions as criminal and vowing to bring them to justice.
Illegal mining remains a prevalent issue in South Africa, particularly in old gold-mining areas, with miners risking their lives by entering closed shafts in search of remaining deposits. These illegal operations often involve organized syndicates that exploit the miners, who are frequently from neighboring countries.
Aside from the inherent dangers of illegal mining, the presence of these miners in closed mines has led to conflicts with nearby communities, with reports of criminal activities such as robberies and assaults. The illegal mining groups are known to be armed, and clashes between rival factions can turn deadly.
