North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone has confirmed ongoing investigations to determine whether the minors (14 to 19) are victims of abduction or other criminal activities. Authorities are also verifying whether their families reported them as missing.

The boys have been charged with trespassing and contravening the Immigration Act. Many of the miners emerging from the shafts are foreign nationals, with twelve Mozambicans and nine Zimbabweans identified among the group that resurfaced on Monday (2/11). One of the miners, found at No. 10 Shaft, was taken to hospital for medical observation.

‘No human-rights violations’

The Stilfontein shafts have been at the centre of Operation Vala Umgodi to tackle illegal mining syndicates, rescue miners, and seal off abandoned shafts. More than 2,000 illegal miners (so-called zama zamas) have emerged since the operation began, with a record 1,113 surfacing in August alone.

Last week, minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, dismissed allegations of human rights violations amid the crackdown, emphasising the government’s duty to enforce the law and protect communities from the dangers of illegal mining.

On Monday, the High Court ruled aid must be delivered to zama zamas still underground in Stilfontein after calls from community activists and volunteers who criticised law enforcement for delays in addressing the miners’ dire conditions.

Stilfontein resident Johannes Qangase welcomed the court ruling but expressed frustration with police procedures.

“We are very disappointed because there’s a lot of defiance from police officials. The court order didn’t stipulate the quantity of food to send underground, yet we are questioned about it. The so-called experts failed dismally, and as community volunteers, we have wasted time that could have saved many lives.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mc/cg