Stilfontein developments: 10 undocumented illegal miners resurface

Ten undocumented zama zamas resurfaced in the Stilfontein mine in the North West on Saturday.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said nine of the illegal miners are Mozambicans and the other one is from Zimbabwe.

The situation in Stilfontein is especially concerning, as more than 300 illegal miners are currently facing charges in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for illegal mining activities and violations of the Immigration Act.

IOL reported that a 14-year-old boy was among the group of 14 illegal miners who were detained by police after they emerged from the disused mines.

The Star reported that a 19-year-old teenager who was among those who have been arrested, shared a harrowing account of his experience underground, revealing that he had been trapped for six months.

“I came down here with a friend, but when I saw what they were doing, I wanted to leave. There are snipers down there. They will beat you if you want to leave,” he was quoted as saying.

The plight of young illegal miners cannot be overstated, with reports citing that approximately 96 of the over 1 000 miners who have resurfaced in the area are minors.

Many claim they were coerced into working underground by armed gangs, prompting investigations into possible exploitation.

Meanwhile, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria recently dismissed an application brought by the Society for the Protection of our Constitution over the illegal miners holed up at the disused mineshaft.

In its application, non-governmental organisation Society for the Protection of Our Constitution argued that the unknown number of individuals reportedly trapped underground in the disused mine shaft are entitled to access basic necessities, including water and food.

The organisation insisted that the miners trapped underground are without recourse to exit and have been blocked off from access to food, water and other basic necessities.

However, the court dismissed the application, in a move that has been welcomed by the SA Police Service.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL News