Fourteen illegal miners were arrested in Stilfontein, North West Province, during a rescue operation at a disused mine shaft on Sunday. The operation was initially launched in response to reports of individuals possibly trapped underground, but the arrests revealed a different story.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, confirmed the arrests, stating that all the detained individuals are from Mozambique. “A total of 14 illegal miners resurfaced last night. They are all Mozambicans and are all in police cells. Operations continue,” she said.
Earlier on Sunday, Brigadier Mathe clarified the situation, emphasizing that the miners were not trapped as initially feared. “The emergence of the miners shows that they are not trapped at all but are down there willingly,” she explained.
The Stilfontein Mine Crisis
Stilfontein, known for its disused and unsafe mine shafts, has long been a hotspot for illegal mining activities. These operations, often involving individuals from neighboring countries, pose significant safety and legal challenges.
The incident highlights ongoing issues with illegal mining in South Africa, which threatens the safety of those involved and the surrounding communities. Authorities are working to address this growing concern, with efforts to shut down illegal operations and apprehend those involved.
Ongoing Operations
Police have indicated that operations at the mine site will continue as they investigate the full extent of illegal activities in the area. The arrests are seen as a step towards curbing the illegal mining epidemic in Stilfontein and beyond.
Further updates are expected as the police intensify their efforts to ensure safety and law enforcement in the region.
