Government Refuses Aid to 4,000 Trapped Illegal Miners, Emphasizes “Criminals Are Not to Be Helped”
Minister Ntshavheni Stands Firm on Non-Intervention for Trapped Illegal Miners in Stilfontein
The South African government has taken a resolute stand against providing assistance to the estimated 4,000 illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. Speaking at a media briefing, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated emphatically that the government will not risk resources or lives to aid those involved in illegal activities.
Ntshavheni’s remarks underscore a growing stance within government ranks: illegal miners, or zama zamas, are viewed as undermining national security and the economy. When questioned on whether law enforcement would intervene to rescue those trapped, Ntshavheni replied bluntly, “You want us to send help to criminals? Honestly?”
A Strict Policy of Non-Intervention
Citing last week’s situation in Orkney, where over 1,000 illegal miners surfaced due to food and water shortages and were subsequently detained, Ntshavheni reaffirmed that the government would not facilitate similar aid for those in Stilfontein. She expressed concerns over the potential risk to law enforcement personnel and emphasized that intervention could inadvertently support criminal activities.
The minister drew parallels to the Harmony Gold Mine methane explosion in the Free State in June 2023, which resulted in the deaths of at least 31 illegal miners from Lesotho. She questioned the rationale for risking law enforcement lives for those engaged in unlawful mining, saying, “What if when we send police or the military to supply them with food, the place explodes and caves in?”
Law Enforcement Focuses on Community Safety
Law enforcement agencies have maintained a presence near the Stilfontein mineshaft, awaiting any miners who might surface voluntarily. Reports indicate that community members have assisted two miners, who were found in a weakened state, by providing food and water.
North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that while the two individuals are currently receiving medical attention, they have not been interrogated. Law enforcement officials emphasize that they are only prepared to take miners into custody as they emerge and will not engage in recovery or aid operations underground.
Government’s Message to the Families of Illegal Miners
In a candid message to families of miners who might be trapped, Minister Ntshavheni expressed that it is not the government’s responsibility to retrieve bodies, should fatalities occur. She criticized families for failing to disclose the involvement of their loved ones in illegal mining, stating, “If your child is missing because they are dead underground [because] of illegal mining activities, you must come and tell us why didn’t you come and report that they are undertaking criminal activities.”
The minister’s approach reflects a larger strategy to deter illegal mining through a zero-tolerance policy. She stressed that the government’s focus remains on eradicating illegal mining operations rather than supporting those involved.
Growing Concerns Over Illegal Mining in South Africa
Illegal mining, particularly by undocumented foreign nationals, has been a contentious issue in South Africa. Local communities near mining areas often face elevated security risks and environmental degradation due to the presence of zama zamas. Despite efforts to crack down on illegal mining, the practice continues, and incidents like the one in Stilfontein raise further questions about government policy and community impact.
As the government maintains a firm stance, the country watches closely to see how this policy will affect future interventions and the ongoing battle against illegal mining.
Also read: South Africa Employment Rises by 294,000 in Q3 2024: Eastern Cape Leads with 83,000 New Jobs
