South Africa has declared it will not extend help to an estimated 4,000 illegal miners trapped in a closed mine in the North West province.
The miners, stuck underground in Stilfontein, have reportedly been cut off from food, water, and other essential supplies.
Police sealed off entrances to the mine as part of “Operation Vala Umgodi,” which translates to “Close the Hole.”
This operation is designed to force illegal miners to the surface, where they face certain arrest.
North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said reports from individuals aiding rescue efforts suggest up to 4,000 miners might be trapped underground.
However, an official figure has not been confirmed by authorities.
Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni took a firm stance against any form of assistance to the miners.
“You want us to send help to criminals? You want us to send help to criminals, honestly?” Ntshavheni scoffed, dismissing any notion of government aid.
She made it clear that the government sees these miners as lawbreakers who deserve no compassion.
“We’re going to smoke them out,” Ntshavheni said with resolve.
She added that those who attempt to deliver supplies would also face consequences.
“Those who want to help them must go and take the food down there. They will come out, and we’ll arrest them.”
Illegal mining is a persistent issue in South Africa, particularly in abandoned gold mines scattered across the country.
These miners, often referred to as zama zamas, are mostly driven by poverty and desperation.
Many come from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe and Mozambique, seeking to extract whatever precious metals remain in the old shafts.
Police believe these operations are part of larger criminal syndicates that exploit the miners for labour.
The miners often work in dangerous conditions and are heavily armed to defend their turf against rival groups.
Nearby communities have expressed growing anger over the presence of illegal miners.
Residents accuse the miners of committing crimes, including robberies and sexual assaults.
Tensions between rival mining groups have also led to violent confrontations, some ending in fatalities.
In Stilfontein, the plight of the miners trapped underground has sparked heated debate.
While some call for humanitarian intervention, others agree with the government’s tough stance.
The operation to cut off supplies has raised questions about the balance between law enforcement and basic human rights.
South Africa’s history of illegal mining is rooted in the decline of its once-thriving gold industry.
As major mining companies closed operations, abandoned shafts became a target for desperate miners.
These shafts, however, are treacherous and prone to collapse.
Miners frequently risk their lives navigating unstable tunnels in search of gold.
The government insists that allowing these activities to continue poses a threat to public safety and national resources.
