Police insist illegal Stilfontein miners will be arrested as they resurface! The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that its operations at the Stilfontein mine, where thousands of illegal miners remain stranded underground, will continue despite an interim court order issued by the North Gauteng High Court.
The legal directive, aimed at addressing the escalating crisis, mandates the unblocking of mine shafts and permits trapped miners to exit the underground tunnels. However, it does not halt police efforts to monitor and manage the situation.
Court Orders Unblocking of Stilfontein Mine Shafts
The interim court order, obtained by the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, compels the unblocking of the mine shafts in Stilfontein to allow trapped miners to resurface. It also restricts entry into the mine shafts by non-emergency personnel.
“Pending finalisation of the application, the mine shaft in Stilfontein that forms the subject matter of this application shall be unblocked and may not be blocked by any person or institution, whether government or private,” stated the court.
The order further emphasizes the safe exit of any miners trapped in the shafts, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel interfere with rescue operations.
SAPS Maintains Presence Amid Crisis
Reacting to the court’s directive, SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe assured the public that the order would not impede the police’s constitutional mandate.
“SAPS static deployment operations continue at all abandoned and disused mining shafts in the Stilfontein area, where a call is once again made to all illegal miners to resurface,” said Mathe.
The police have maintained a presence in Stilfontein, conducting surveillance and ensuring order at the abandoned shafts.
Handling Resurfaced Miners
According to SAPS, three illegal miners resurfaced by Saturday evening. The police have reiterated that all those emerging from the mine will be assessed and treated according to their health conditions.
- Miners in good health are being detained and processed in line with the law.
- Those requiring medical attention are being transported to hospitals under police guard.
The presence of emergency medical personnel at the site underscores efforts to provide immediate care to those in need, ensuring that the situation remains under control.
Government’s Stance on Illegal Mining
The crisis at Stilfontein has highlighted the government’s uncompromising position on illegal mining, with officials categorizing zama zamas (illegal miners) as criminals.
Despite humanitarian concerns raised by community groups and legal advocates, the government has maintained a firm approach, focusing on law enforcement and the dismantling of illegal mining networks.
The interim court order serves as a counterbalance to this stance, prioritizing the immediate safety of those trapped underground while leaving broader legal and policy questions unresolved.
Community and Legal Advocacy
The Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which filed the urgent application, argued that humanitarian concerns should take precedence over punitive measures. Their intervention reflects growing calls for a more balanced approach that considers the dire conditions faced by illegal miners.
The court order is seen as a temporary measure to ensure the safety of those underground, while broader discussions around the legality and human impact of mining practices continue.
The Path Forward
The situation in Stilfontein remains tense, with SAPS committed to maintaining order and ensuring that miners who resurface are held accountable under the law.
Meanwhile, the legal directive underscores the importance of protecting human lives in the face of an increasingly complex crisis.
As operations unfold, the focus will remain on balancing law enforcement with humanitarian concerns, offering a glimpse into the broader challenges of addressing illegal mining in South Africa.
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