The South African government has launched a vehement critique of illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas”, as many of them have voluntarily emerged from disused mines in Stilfontein, North West.
This wave of surfacing comes in the wake of an extensive police operation called “Vala Umgodi”, aimed at tackling illegal mining activities that have been plaguing the region.
On Sunday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) issued a statement asserting that the delayed exit of these miners is a calculated move to evade law enforcement agencies.
This statement casts a shadow over the miners’ claims of abuse and threats to their lives, which they have expressed as reasons for their prolonged stay underground.
“The miners’ delayed emergence appears to be a tactic to evade arrest,” the statement asserted.
“Contrary to their claims that food underground ran out months ago, evidence suggests they have had access to supplies until recently.”
These words were echoed by Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, NATJOINTS spokesperson, who condemned assertions that aid sent down is shared equally among miners.
Instead, he noted that supplies reaching them are controlled by underground syndicates, resulting in exploitation and unequal access.
“The notion that miners remain trapped solely due to police actions is misleading,” Mosikili added, as he emphasised that the SAPS has established designated exit points to facilitate safe surfacing and legal accountability.
“Miners possess means to exit independently, as demonstrated by those who have surfaced in recent days.”
He added that as the government clarifies its stance, it remains focused on upholding the rule of law. It recognises the myriad narratives surrounding this complex issue but insists on relying on verified information from official channels.
“Immediate aid is not provided to facilitate illegal activities, but measures are in place to ensure the safety and humane treatment of those who choose to surface,” Mosikili further stated.
Amid these developments, reports have emerged detailing harrowing conditions underground. A video shows one miner being verbally abused, with his hands tied behind his back, amid accusations of theft.
Furthermore, alarming claims surfaced over the holiday season when some miners reportedly resorted to cannibalism for survival, detailing the grim reality faced in the depths of these tunnels.
IOL reported that according to a letter hoisted to the surface on Christmas Eve, some miners have gone missing after attempting to exit an alternate shaft, while others are described as weak and suffering ill health.
This portrayal underscores the desperation those still underground feel as the legal repercussions loom.
On Thursday, six illegal miners expected to emerge were among the 26 who appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of illegal mining.
Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, police arrested six suspected illegal miners in Riverlea, Johannesburg, after a shootout.
This is after members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) launched a targeted operation to locate the suspects. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered mining tools commonly associated with illegal activities.
Reacting to this incident, Gauteng Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo indicated that following the shootout, police arrested two suspects who had a rifle, a pistol, and magazines loaded with ammunition. Four more suspects were arrested nearby as officers pursued the investigation.
“While confiscating the tools, the suspects started shooting at the police and the shootout ensued,” he said.
The Star