Nine of them were from Mozambique and one from Zimbabwe. 

They resurfaced on Saturday (30/11) at around 15:00. Since the operation began more than 2,000 zama zamas have emerged from underground, with a record 1,113 miners surfacing in August alone. 

The police have confirmed no one is trapped underground, and disturbing reports reveal some of them are being forced to work under the watch of ten heavily armed guards, allegedly Basotho nationals.

During his visit to the Stilfontein mine, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu reiterated the importance of addressing the socioeconomic issues that drive illegal mining, particularly for South African locals affected by unemployment and poverty.

Mchunu acknowledged shortcomings in community engagement. “There was not enough consultation between residents and government, and that also needs to be corrected.” He said the government has established a task team to mediate between officials and communities, ensuring better collaboration moving forward.

Ten zama zamas surfaced at the Stilfontein mine. Photo: Screenshot

Mchunu also underscored the need to address the closure of mines, which has left abandoned shafts vulnerable to illegal activity.

“The Department of Mineral Resources provided a detailed report showing since 2000 there has been a review of mining laws. New provisions introduced since then are now being implemented as we move forward.”  

In recent days, authorities sealed several mine shafts and halted food and water deliveries to the zama zamas, forcing them to emerge. This tactic sparked backlash from civil society organisations, including the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which filed an urgent court application to allow them access to basic necessities. 

The North Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of the government, allowing the operation to continue.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg