14 Illegal Miners Arrested at Stilfontein Mine Amid Rescue Challenges
Fourteen illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, were arrested after emerging from disused mines in Stilfontein, North West. These miners had been holed up for months following the launch of Operation Vala Umgodi by law enforcement. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that all the arrested individuals are Mozambican nationals and are now in police custody.
Mathe clarified that the miners were not trapped underground, as previously believed. On Sunday night, 11 men surfaced from shaft 10, linked to shaft 11, demonstrating that they remain underground by choice. Mathe noted that the miners resurface at night, thinking the police have withdrawn. Some even retreated underground after spotting police on-site.
The arrests come amid significant challenges for authorities in the area. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone revealed that extortionists are targeting the rescue operation, demanding 30% of the funds allocated for specialist mine rescue workers. These funds are crucial for the heavy machinery and resources needed to extract the zama zamas, who are believed to number in the thousands.
The operation was initiated after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu visited Stilfontein to address the illegal mining crisis. Mchunu led a high-level delegation and bolstered police and military efforts as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
While authorities continue to engage with community leaders, the emergence of extortion-related activities has complicated the operation. Police remain committed to tackling the illegal mining activities and ensuring the safety of all involved as efforts to address the crisis continue.
Mathe clarified that the miners were not trapped underground, as previously believed. On Sunday night, 11 men surfaced from shaft 10, linked to shaft 11, demonstrating that they remain underground by choice. Mathe noted that the miners resurface at night, thinking the police have withdrawn. Some even retreated underground after spotting police on-site.
The arrests come amid significant challenges for authorities in the area. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone revealed that extortionists are targeting the rescue operation, demanding 30% of the funds allocated for specialist mine rescue workers. These funds are crucial for the heavy machinery and resources needed to extract the zama zamas, who are believed to number in the thousands.
The operation was initiated after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu visited Stilfontein to address the illegal mining crisis. Mchunu led a high-level delegation and bolstered police and military efforts as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
While authorities continue to engage with community leaders, the emergence of extortion-related activities has complicated the operation. Police remain committed to tackling the illegal mining activities and ensuring the safety of all involved as efforts to address the crisis continue.
