By Mpho Moloi
North West police have confirmed that more than 1,000 illegal miners have resurfaced from abandoned shafts in Stilfontein since mid-October. The mass emergence of these miners follows intensified law enforcement efforts aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the area, which has posed substantial risks to community safety and the South African economy.
The miners, often referred to as “zama zamas,” began emerging from underground shafts in groups starting from 18 October, with the most substantial numbers recorded over the past weekend. Law enforcement officers apprehended a total of 565 individuals during this period, including 225 on Saturday and another 340 on Sunday. These arrests form part of an ongoing multi-disciplinary operation known as “Vala Umgodi,” aimed at clamping down on illegal mining in North West and other hotspot areas.
Resurgence of Zama Zamas in Stilfontein
The resurgence of illegal miners in Stilfontein has brought the challenges of illegal mining into the spotlight, with community members and authorities expressing concern over the potential dangers associated with this underground activity. Illegal miners often risk their lives in abandoned shafts, exposing themselves to hazardous working conditions and the constant threat of tunnel collapses.
The emergence of miners en masse can be linked to the increased pressure from law enforcement agencies, who have actively blocked supply routes used to deliver essential items like food and water to the miners underground. According to North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone, the miners were not trapped as initially speculated but were compelled to come up due to a lack of supplies, which left them with no other option but to surface.
“While some may believe the miners were trapped underground, the reality is that they were forced to emerge as law enforcement successfully blocked access routes that provided food and water to those working illegally below ground,” Mokgwabone explained.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Withdrawn
On Tuesday, 55 suspects arrested over the weekend made their first court appearance in Stilfontein on charges of possession of gold-bearing material, contravention of the Immigration Act, and illegal mining. However, the charges against them were subsequently withdrawn. Police spokesperson Mokgwabone clarified that although the charges were dropped, the suspects remain in detention as Immigration Officials process them under Section 34 of the Immigration Act, 2002. This section allows for the detention of individuals pending a deportation order, which implies that many of these suspects may be foreign nationals involved in the illicit mining trade.
The release of these miners from criminal charges has raised questions about the broader implications of illegal mining on immigration enforcement. The increasing presence of foreign nationals in South Africa’s mining sector has led to calls for more comprehensive immigration control, particularly in regions plagued by illegal mining activities.
A Humanitarian Concern Amid a Crime Crackdown
The mass surfacing of zama zamas has raised concerns within the local and international community, with some experts cautioning that the strict approach by law enforcement could potentially lead to a humanitarian crisis. Mining Review Africa, a specialist publication, noted that while illegal mining and associated crimes are serious concerns, the stringent law enforcement measures might inadvertently impact the basic rights and well-being of the miners, particularly those compelled to go underground due to lack of employment and economic opportunities.
Activists argue that many zama zamas are driven to illegal mining due to South Africa’s high unemployment rate and limited job prospects, especially for migrant workers from neighbouring countries. While illegal mining presents severe risks to the miners themselves and the communities in which they operate, the discourse now involves balancing security efforts with humanitarian considerations.
Government Commendation for Law Enforcement Efforts
During his 100 days in office briefing held in Mahikeng, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for their steadfast commitment to addressing illegal mining in Stilfontein and the greater Matlosane local municipality. Mokgosi emphasised the importance of creating a safe community environment around mining areas, underscoring the government’s dedication to restoring order in regions affected by illicit mining.
“We take this opportunity to commend the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force for their unwavering commitment to rooting out illegal mining in the province – particularly in the City of Matlosane local municipality. We need to drive a community-safe environment around mining areas,” Mokgosi stated.
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