Operation Vala Umgodi, an initiative to seal off mine shafts and restrict supplies to encourage zama zamas to surface, has been hampered by the court’s decision. National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola expressed concerns the unrestricted flow of food and other resources underground could encourage miners to remain there for an extended period, potentially up to a year.

“We wanted to limit the food, but unfortunately, the court ruled there should be no limitations. This means anything can go underground, and it has. This poses a serious challenge. We will return to the drawing board and strategise our next steps.”  

The case, which is set for further arguments next week, will be an opportunity for the police to present their rationale for limiting food supplies. 

Despite the complications, six zama zamas surfaced from Shaft No. 10 Buffels in Stilfontein on Friday morning (6/12). The six Mozambicans are being processed, said North West police spokesperson Brig. Sabata Mokgwabone

The High Court’s decision to allow humanitarian aid underground has been met with mixed reactions. Some community members and organisations argue the miners’ basic rights must be respected, but authorities believe unrestricted supplies undermine their efforts to resolve the illegal-mining crisis.

Community leader Thembile Botman had urged the government to provide better resources for retrieval efforts, noting the rope system to hoist bodies to the surface is not only slow but insufficient for the scale of the operation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg