Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ South Africa’s government has declared it will not provide aid to an estimated 4,000 illegal miners trapped in a sealed-off mine shaft in the North West province, underscoring a tough new stance on illegal mining. The miners, who entered the abandoned mine in Stilfontein, have reportedly been cut off from basic supplies, including food and water, as part of an operation aimed at forcing them to the surface for arrest.
Dubbed “Vala Umgodi” or “Close the Hole,” the police-led operation involves sealing entry points that were used to deliver supplies to miners operating within closed mines. According to police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone, recent rescues of a few miners revealed that approximately 4,000 people may be underground. Over the past few weeks, more than 1,000 miners have emerged from various mines across the province, with many in weakened states due to prolonged deprivation.
North West police continue to patrol the perimeter of the mine in anticipation of further exits from underground, while the government stands firm on its decision not to provide assistance. Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasized the government’s stance on the matter, stating, “We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. Criminals are not to be helped. We didn’t send them there.”
Illegal mining is a widespread issue in South Africa, particularly in former gold-mining regions where disused shafts still hold small but valuable deposits. Many miners come from neighboring countries, lured by promises of work but often finding themselves under the control of organized syndicates that profit from these illegal operations. The mining syndicates are also known for armed conflicts between rival groups, which pose a significant threat to the miners themselves and surrounding communities. These groups are often blamed for various crimes, including robbery and assault, leading to growing tension with local residents.
With ongoing challenges in curbing illegal mining, South Africa’s government is ramping up enforcement efforts aimed at tackling the issue. The plight of the miners in Stilfontein has sparked debate, however, on how best to handle a humanitarian crisis involving illegal operations. As authorities stand by their strategy, the unfolding situation reflects the complexities of addressing illegal mining and the associated criminal networks across South Africa.
