In a resolute stance against illegal mining, South Africa’s government announced it will not aid the group of unauthorized miners reportedly trapped inside a sealed-off mine in North West province. The miners, who have been without basic supplies, face harsh conditions as authorities intensify operations to curb illicit mining practices.
The miners are trapped in a disused shaft in Stilfontein, where they have relied on surface support to survive underground, sometimes for months. However, as part of the police’s “Vala Umgodi” or “Close the Hole” operation, entrances to the mine have been blocked, cutting off food, water, and other essentials. This measure aims to force the miners to surface, where they will be taken into custody.
Initially, reports suggested as many as 4,000 miners were underground, but police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe later revised that estimate to around 350 to 400, following intelligence and community engagement. “We feel that the numbers are being exaggerated,” Mathe stated, noting the deployment of additional resources and intelligence to verify the situation.
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Government officials, including police and defense ministers, are scheduled to visit the area for discussions with local authorities and residents. Mathe emphasized the government’s commitment to avoiding unnecessary risk, stating, “We have decided that no police officer, no soldier, or government official will enter an abandoned mine, given the high risk of loss of life.”
The Vala Umgodi operation marks a concentrated effort to dismantle illegal mining in the region. Since December, police have seized a significant amount of contraband, including 369 high-caliber firearms, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, uncut diamonds valued at 32 million rand (around $1.75 million), and cash totaling over 5 million rand (approximately $275,000).
Over the past few weeks, more than 1,000 miners have surfaced from different mines in the area, many appearing physically weakened and malnourished. Law enforcement has maintained a vigilant presence around the mines, prepared to detain any individuals emerging from underground.
Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reinforced the government’s stance on the issue. “We are not sending help to criminals,” Ntshavheni declared, affirming the decision not to offer aid to those engaged in illegal activities. “We are going to smoke them out. Criminals are not to be helped. We didn’t send them there.”
Illegal mining remains a persistent problem in South Africa, particularly in abandoned gold mines. Many of the miners are foreign nationals, often employed by larger syndicates involved in the lucrative but dangerous trade. Their activities have raised concerns among local communities, who report incidents of violent crime linked to these groups. Rivalries between factions of illegal miners are common, sometimes leading to deadly clashes.
As South African authorities work to dismantle these networks, they face the dual challenge of enforcing the law while navigating complex community and safety concerns. The government’s recent actions highlight its determination to tackle the illegal mining crisis and mitigate the impact on nearby communities.
