Central SA
Police lash out at Stilfontein community amidst zama zama crisis─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 12:02 Sun, 02 Feb 2025
Community members and organisations assisting illegal miners have drawn criticism from law enforcement for demanding government intervention in the ongoing crisis surrounding illegal miners at the Stilfontein mine.
Police allege that aid provided to the miners has indirectly supported continued illegal mining operations.
78 corpses and 246 survivors, many of whom were found in severe physical distress, were brought to the surface after an intensive four-day rescue operation which had resumed on Monday (13/1). On Friday (10 January), the High Court in Pretoria ruled in favour of Zinzi Tom, whose brother, Ayanda Tom, was trapped underground, compelling the government to appoint Mining Rescue Services (MRS) to assist in rescue operations.
According to MRS CEO Mannas Fourie, advanced cameras and sound detection equipment were used to ensure no additional survivors or bodies remained underground.
‘Only scratching the surface of illegal mining’
Despite the official conclusion of the operation, the saga continued. Maj. Gen. Patrick Asaneng, acting Provincial Commissioner, reported that in the days following the rescue, more individuals have emerged from the Margaret shaft.
“On Monday (27 January), one body was brought to the surface. The following day, two miners resurfaced, and yesterday, three more miners emerged, bringing the total to five,” Asaneng said.
The five miners, who have since been arrested and are being interviewed, indicated that others remain underground. Maj. Gen. Asaneng criticised claims that miners were being starved to death underground.
“None of the five miners showed signs of emaciation or hunger, suggesting that there is still adequate food underground and therefore this was a ploy by those people who went to court and said miners are being starved to death,” he stated.
Maj. Gen. Asaneng emphasised the resurfacing miners indicated that the problem is far from resolved. “This operation will continue because we believe we are only scratching the surface of illegal mining in the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, four police officers linked to aiding the escape of a notorious illegal mining figure, Neo “Tiger” Tshwaeli, were arrested. Tshwaeli was among those rescued from the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine shaft.
The officers – Warrant Officers Jack Motlhabya (37) and Menzi Shabalala (38), and Sergeants Ntutuko Dladla (40) and Samkelo Mbotho (38) – were part of the Stilfontein-based “Vala Umgodi” operation, aimed at tackling illegal mining. They have since been released on R1,000 bail each.
