Stilfontein Illegal Miners Resurface: Police Say They Are Evading Arrest, Not Trapped Underground

As hundreds of illegal miners emerge in Stilfontein, authorities highlight strategic delays and their efforts to combat unlawful activities.

In Stilfontein, North West, the issue of illegal mining has taken a dramatic turn as hundreds of illegal miners resurface from abandoned mine shafts. According to Deputy Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, these miners are not trapped underground but are strategically delaying their emergence to evade arrest.

The resurfacing follows an intensive police operation, Operation Vala Umgodi (translated as “close the hole”), launched to curtail illegal mining. Authorities have blocked the delivery of food, water, and supplies to the miners since November, prompting hundreds of them to voluntarily resurface.

Police Crackdown Amid Legal Challenges

While the police intensified their efforts, the Pretoria High Court intervened, ordering authorities to allow humanitarian aid for the miners. Charitable organizations, community members, and interested parties have since been permitted to provide food, water, and medical supplies in an orderly manner.

Despite this, Mosikili emphasized that any aid reaching the miners is not government-sanctioned. Evidence suggests supplies have been controlled by underground syndicates, allegedly sold to the miners at exorbitant prices, further complicating the already dire situation.

1,500 Miners Emerge from Stilfontein Shafts

Over 1,500 illegal miners have reportedly resurfaced from the disused mine shafts, with some receiving assistance from local community members. Tragically, eight bodies have also been recovered, shedding light on the dangers of underground activities.

Authorities maintain that exit points have been established, allowing miners to safely come above ground and face legal consequences.

Police: “Miners Are Not Trapped”

Lt-Gen Mosikili dismissed claims that miners are trapped underground, stating that their delayed resurfacing is a deliberate tactic.

“The miners possess the means to exit independently, as demonstrated by those who have surfaced in recent days. Government’s stance is to uphold the rule of law,” she stated.

The police remain committed to preventing further illegal activities in the area while ensuring that all humanitarian and legal directives are followed.

A Grim Picture Underground

Resurfaced miners described challenging conditions underground, alleging that supplies had run out weeks before the police intervention. However, authorities dispute this, claiming food and water were accessible until recently.

Reports also indicate unequal distribution of supplies underground, controlled by syndicates exploiting the miners.

Operation Vala Umgodi Continues

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and soldiers are determined to sustain Operation Vala Umgodi to eliminate illegal mining operations in Stilfontein. Mosikili reiterated that the government will not be held hostage and will enforce the law while treating those who resurface humanely.

Also read: 26 Zama Zamas Arrested in Stilfontein Mineshaft Over Christmas