The mine has been a focal point in Operation Vala Umgodi (“close the hole” in isiZulu) to dismantle illegal mining syndicates – from miners, so-called zama zamas, to the kingpins financing their operations. More than a thousand suspects have been arrested.

In recent days, authorities halted food and water supplies being taken underground and sealed several mine shaft entrances. But a Gauteng High Court (16/11) mandated the reopening of the shafts to enable miners to safely exit, restricting access to anyone not involved in emergency operations.

Despite this, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria issued a final judgment Monday morning (25/11) to have the entry points of mine shafts closed by police. 

Sunday night (24/11), 14 illegal miners surfaced from the shaft. They were all Mozambicans, including a 14-year-old, said national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. The group is now in police custody. 

This group confirmed police suspicions that no one is trapped underground, said Mathe. The miners are being forced to dig for gold by ten heavily armed Basotho nationals who guard the shafts. Food and water sent underground were confiscated by the guards, leaving the miners with no access to the supplies.

Operation Vala Umgodi has disrupted illegal mining operations in the Stilfontein area, but authorities emphasise more needs to be done to dismantle the networks sustaining this illegal industry.

Meanwhile, police have reiterated their commitment to ending illegal mining activities and protecting communities from the associated dangers, including violence, environmental destruction, and exploitation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg