The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi task team, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has issued a stern warning to illegal miners still remaining underground in Stilfontein, North West province. Authorities are urging miners to resurface and surrender, emphasising that safety measures are in place to facilitate their exit.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu revealed 1187 miners had resurfaced since their supply routes were cut last month, with authorities working to ensure the remaining miners following suit. SAPS has committed to staying in the area until all illegal miners have surfaced and been apprehended.

“We continue to appeal to the illegal miners to come out of the mines. It is in their best interest to do so, as they may require medical attention,” a police spokesperson said. “We ask the community to allow the police to carry out their duties. Criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

As of the latest reports, only three additional miners have surfaced. The SAPS stressed that the operation will continue relentlessly. “We will not hesitate to enforce the authority of the state,” the police added.

Government officials have praised the police for their ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining. This week, Cabinet commended the SAPS for tackling the issue in North West.

On Friday 15 November, Minister Mchunu visited the Stilfontein mine shaft and held discussions with members of the South African Defence Force regarding the ongoing situation at the site.

In a follow-up address to the local community, Minister Mchunu confirmed that authorities were aware of the illegal firearms held by the miners.

“These individuals are entering South Africa unlawfully. Our priority, as the police, is to ensure law and order across the country,” Mchunu stated.

He also assured the community that police operations were being intensified to remove illegal miners from the area. “We know that some community members are aware of the activities taking place at the mine. We urge them to distance themselves from these illegal actions. Engaging in illegal mining is a crime,” the Minister emphasised.

Rescue Efforts by Local Community

In a remarkable show of community solidarity, around 50 residents of Stilfontein volunteered to help rescue miners trapped underground. By Wednesday afternoon, five miners had been successfully pulled to the surface, although they were weak from lack of food and water. Residents used ropes to extract them, and it is estimated that around 4 500 miners remain underground, although the government has suggested there may only be several hundred.

The miners have been trapped for months, some for as long as six months. The rescue operation was dangerous, with some miners too weak to climb out on their own. Volunteers signed indemnity forms and descended into the shafts to assist. The rescued miners received immediate medical attention.

Residents have called for further government support for the miners, especially those too weak to emerge without help.

Government’s Response

Officials have firmly rejected calls to assist the miners, with some officials reminding the public of the miners’ illegal actions. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that the government has no obligation to help individuals engaged in illegal activity.

“I’m not going to send help to criminals. They went into the mines to break the law, not for the benefit of the country,” Ntshavheni stated. “If anyone wants to help them, they can take food down, but we’re not going to risk lives sending law enforcement or military personnel underground.”

Ntshavheni further emphasised that government’s priority is to eliminate illegal mining and prosecute offenders. “We’re focused on shutting down illegal mining operations and holding families accountable for allowing their loved ones to engage in these activities,” she added.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that two more miners had resurfaced after provisions of food and water were sent down. Mokgwabone further reported that some miners had asked for help to climb out, as they were too weak to do so on their own. There are additional reports of bodies being found underground, highlighting the dangers facing the illegal miners.

Ongoing Efforts to End Illegal Mining

SAPS and SANDF remain committed to continuing the operation until all illegal miners have resurfaced and been apprehended. Authorities are determined to dismantle the illegal mining syndicates that pose significant risks to both the miners and the environment.

While local communities continue to play a vital role in the rescue efforts, law enforcement agencies stress that the operation is part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining and its associated criminal activities.

The SAPS has warned that illegal mining is a serious crime and will continue to pursue all measures necessary to bring those responsible to justice.

Urgent Court Order

The Pretoria High Court issued an order preventing the police from sealing off the unused mine and further ruled that these miners must be allowed to exit the mine.

The Society for the Protection of Our Constitution filed an urgent application with the High Court, which was heard by Judge Brenda Neukircher on Saturday.

“Pending the finalisation of this application, the Stilfontein mine shaft, which is the subject of this case, shall remain unblocked and may not be sealed by any person or institution, whether public or private. Any miners trapped in the mine shaft must be allowed to exit. However, no non-emergency personnel may enter the mine shaft,” Judge Neukircher ruled.