47 Illegal Miners
By Mpho Moloi
47 illegal miners are expected to appear at the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court in the North West on Monday. This follows their emergence from the Margaret and Buffelsfontein shafts last week, amid intensified efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal mining activities in the region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been conducting Operation Vala Umgodi (“Close the Pits”) to address the rampant illegal mining, which poses significant economic and safety challenges. Since the operation’s commencement, numerous arrests have been made, with the latest group of 47 miners apprehended for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002).
North West Police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, confirmed the arrests and reiterated the commitment to continue the operation. “Since Monday, the 23rd of December, a total of 47 illegal miners were placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act,” said Myburgh.
In a separate incident, 19 illegal miners are scheduled to appear at the Barberton Magistrates’ Court in Mpumalanga on Monday. They were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi, with law enforcement seizing firearms and explosives during the operation. Notably, one of the suspects, aged 39, was found in possession of a firearm and is out on parole after a previous murder conviction. Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, stated, “An intelligence-driven operation conducted by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga resulted in the arrest of nineteen suspects aged between 22 and 39 on Thursday, 26 December 2024, in Barberton old mine. Three firearms were also confiscated during the operation.” 
Background on Operation Vala Umgodi
Operation Vala Umgodi is a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining activities that have plagued South Africa’s mining regions. The operation involves coordinated efforts between various law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), to seal off abandoned mine shafts, arrest illegal miners, and dismantle the syndicates facilitating these activities.
The North West province, particularly the town of Stilfontein, has been a focal point of these operations. Since November, more than 1,500 illegal miners have surfaced through different shafts in Stilfontein as police continue with Operation Vala Umgodi at the mine. 
Recent Developments in Stilfontein
In recent weeks, the Stilfontein area has witnessed a significant number of illegal miners, commonly known as “zama zamas,” resurfacing from abandoned mine shafts. This development follows intensified police operations aimed at sealing off these shafts and cutting off supply lines to the miners underground.
On 27 December 2024, ten illegal miners resurfaced at the Margaret Shaft, followed by eleven miners emerging from Buffelsfontein Shaft No. 10 in the early hours of 28 December. These arrests brought the total number of apprehended illegal miners in the area to 47. The individuals face charges of illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act. All suspects are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 December 2024. 
Humanitarian Concerns and Legal Challenges
The crackdown on illegal mining has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of illegal miners, particularly regarding reports of miners being trapped underground due to sealed exits and lack of access to food and water. In response to these concerns, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria granted permission for community and charitable organizations to deliver essential supplies to the trapped miners. This ruling aimed to address the humanitarian needs of the miners while balancing the enforcement of the law. 
Economic and Social Implications
Illegal mining, often controlled by criminal syndicates, poses significant economic challenges to South Africa. It is estimated that the illicit industry costs the economy up to $1 billion annually. The practice also presents severe safety hazards, including the risk of mine collapses, exposure to toxic substances, and violent confrontations between rival groups.
The South African government has acknowledged the complexity of the issue, which is intertwined with broader socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Efforts to combat illegal mining are being integrated into broader strategies aimed at economic development and job creation in affected regions.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube