A dramatic standoff unfolds at Stilfontein gold mine, with zama zamas evading arrest.
Illegal Mining in Stilfontein: Arrests, Escapes, and Ongoing Operations
A tense situation continues to unravel at Stilfontein gold mine in the North West, where illegal miners, known locally as zama zamas, have resurfaced only to retreat underground upon encountering police. Authorities have intensified operations to shut down illegal mining in the region, revealing shocking details about the conditions and resistance below ground.
Police Operations and Latest Developments
On Sunday night, 14 illegal miners emerged from shaft 10, a site linked to shaft 11. These individuals, attempting to avoid arrest, swiftly retreated upon spotting law enforcement officers. Among the arrested individuals is a 14-year-old boy, highlighting the vulnerabilities often exploited by illegal mining syndicates.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the police spokesperson, confirmed that these miners admitted to the presence of heavily armed individuals underground, enforcing strict control over operations and resources such as food and water. Mathe emphasized that intelligence efforts have been pivotal in revealing the dynamics at play within the mines.
The Plight Underground
Confiscated food supplies indicate that armed syndicate leaders hoard resources to sustain their mining activities, leaving other miners to fend for themselves. Despite claims of over 4,000 individuals trapped underground, police intelligence suggests the actual number is in the hundreds.
Escalating Challenges
Last week, the situation took an unexpected turn when a member of the rescue team reported an extortion attempt. Allegedly, an individual demanded 30% of the rescue operation’s budget. North West police are investigating the incident as a case of extortion, adding another layer of complexity to an already precarious situation.
What Lies Ahead?
The exact number of zama zamas underground remains uncertain, but police operations are set to continue round-the-clock. Authorities remain determined to dismantle illegal mining activities in Stilfontein, which have long been a source of crime and environmental degradation.
Also read: Mixed Reactions as Rescue Team Arrives to Retrieve Zama Zamas from Stilfontein Mine
