By Nkosana Khumalo
An additional 340 illegal miners have resurfaced from the depths of abandoned mines in Orkney, North West Province, as of Sunday, 3 November 2024. This brings the total number of miners who have emerged to 565, following intensified operations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) under Operation Vala Umgodi.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the latest figures, stating that the miners resurfaced due to severe malnutrition and dehydration. The SAPS and SANDF have been actively blocking routes traditionally used to supply food and necessities to these illegal miners, effectively cutting off their support systems. 
Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, commended the efforts of the task teams, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation that is unfolding in the North West province. We are not backing down until all those illegal miners resurface and are arrested.” 
The recent surge in illegal mining activities in Orkney has raised significant concerns. In July 2024, four SANDF soldiers died of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning while on duty as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. They were stationed at a dormant mining shaft near the disused Harry Oppenheimer Stadium, a known hotspot for illegal mining. 
The SAPS has reported that since the inception of Operation Vala Umgodi in December 2023, over 13,691 suspects have been arrested across seven provinces identified as hotspots for illegal mining. Additionally, authorities have seized R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million. 
The resurfacing of these miners underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illegal mining. The SAPS and SANDF remain vigilant, continuing to monitor abandoned mine shafts to ensure that all illegal miners are brought to justice.
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