Police say extortionists demanding 30 percent of budget aimed at rescuing illegal miners! Efforts to rescue stranded illegal miners, known as zama zamas, from disused shafts in Stilfontein, North West, have been complicated by reports of extortion.
According to police, individuals are demanding a share of the funds allocated for the rescue operation, creating additional challenges for specialists and law enforcement at the site.
Extortion Threatens Rescue Efforts
The operation to extract thousands of zama zamas stranded underground has been targeted by extortionists, who are reportedly seeking 30% of the budget allocated for the rescue.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, North West police spokesperson, revealed the situation during a media briefing at the site.
“We are happy with what is happening; we are still maintaining that we are working with community leaders. However, it is unfortunate that we seem to be experiencing a challenge. This is something we will deal with as the police,” Mokgwabone stated.
The extortionists are allegedly targeting contractors and specialists tasked with preparing the area for the rescue operation. These contractors, working with heavy machinery, are laying the groundwork to safely bring the miners to the surface.
High-Level Intervention
The rescue effort comes after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu visited Stilfontein with a high-ranking government delegation. The visit was part of Operation Vala Umgodi, an initiative to clamp down on illegal mining across South Africa.
During his visit, Mchunu emphasized the urgency of the situation, tasking mine rescue experts with bringing all the trapped miners to the surface within a week.
However, reports of extortion have introduced a new layer of complexity to an already challenging operation, which requires coordination between law enforcement, mining experts, and community leaders.
Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns
The rescue operation has also been the subject of legal disputes. Some civil society organizations, represented by the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, have criticized the government’s tactics, including cutting off food and water supplies to the miners, as inhumane.
“All we ask is for government to comply with the Bill of Rights,” argued Yasmin Omar, the lawyer representing the organization, during a hearing at the Gauteng High Court.
The court recently issued an interim order mandating that the mineshaft must remain unblocked and accessible. Judge Brenda Neukircher reserved judgment on whether the government should be compelled to take further action to assist the miners.
Government’s Stance on the Miners’ Status
Despite the court order, government representatives maintain that the miners are not technically “trapped.” Advocate Bongi Lukhele, representing the Minister of Mineral Resources, argued that an alternative shaft has been opened, allowing the miners to exit the site if they choose to do so.
This assertion has fueled ongoing debates between government officials, civil society, and legal representatives over the miners’ treatment and rights.
The Broader Context
The situation in Stilfontein is emblematic of the larger issue of illegal mining in South Africa. Disused mines, often poorly secured, have become hotspots for unauthorized activity. Zama zamas, many of whom are migrants, face extreme dangers, including cave-ins, toxic gases, and violence from rival groups or law enforcement.
The rescue operation represents a delicate balance between enforcing laws against illegal mining and upholding basic human rights for those involved.
The Path Forward
As the rescue operation continues, authorities must address multiple challenges, including the extortion attempts, legal disputes, and logistical hurdles.
The involvement of specialists and government officials signals the seriousness of the situation, but the extortion claims underline the vulnerability of large-scale operations to interference.
The next steps will require strong coordination, adherence to the law, and swift action to bring the miners to safety while ensuring that all stakeholders’ rights and responsibilities are upheld.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive strategy to address illegal mining in South Africa, balancing enforcement with humane treatment of those affected.
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