Police Minister warns Stilfontein residents not to send supplies to zama zamas

Police Minister warns Stilfontein residents not to send supplies to zama zamas! Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has criticized the Stilfontein community for allegedly contributing to the ongoing illegal mining crisis in the North West.

Speaking during a government visit to the area, Mchunu highlighted the role of community members in sustaining illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, who remain underground at the abandoned Buffelsfontein Gold Mine.

Illegal Miners Remain Underground

The crisis revolves around hundreds of zama zamas reportedly refusing to surface from the old mine out of fear of arrest and the dismantling of their underground tunnel network.

Despite intensified efforts by law enforcement to bring them to the surface, the miners are staying put.

Law enforcement officials have expressed frustration over the stalemate. The operation to close illegal mining shafts, known as “Vala Umgodi” (close the hole), has been ongoing, but community actions appear to be undermining these efforts.

Community Accused of Aiding Miners

Mchunu directly accused some Stilfontein residents of aiding the illegal miners by sending essential supplies such as food, water, and even alcohol underground.

“One of the things that is encouraging these people to stay underground is because you send water there, you send food there, there’s even alcohol,” Mchunu stated during a meeting with local authorities and residents on Friday.

He warned that such actions perpetuate the illegal activities and contribute to the instability in the area, which poses a danger to all stakeholders, including the local community.

Call for Order and Stability

Mchunu emphasized the need for order in the region, urging residents to stop supporting illegal activities. He highlighted the broader implications of the situation, noting that disorder and instability threaten everyone’s safety.

“There must be order and there must be stability because disorder and instability are dangerous to all of us, including yourselves,” Mchunu told the community.

The Minister stressed that cooperation between law enforcement and local communities is essential to addressing the illegal mining problem effectively.

Government Delegation Visits Stilfontein

Mchunu’s comments came during a government-led visit to Stilfontein aimed at addressing the escalating illegal mining issue. The delegation met with local authorities to discuss potential solutions and strategies for bringing the zama zamas to the surface safely.

The visit also included consultations with community leaders, where tensions ran high. Some community members expressed frustration over the lack of economic opportunities, which they claim drive individuals into illegal mining.

The Challenge of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining has become a significant challenge in South Africa, particularly in the North West province, where abandoned mines provide easy access for zama zamas.

The activity is not only illegal but also dangerous, often resulting in accidents, environmental damage, and conflict with law enforcement.

Authorities have faced criticism for failing to address the root causes of the problem, including poverty and unemployment. While operations like “Vala Umgodi” aim to shut down illegal mining shafts, the lack of sustainable alternatives for affected communities continues to fuel the crisis.

Community Frustration and Economic Desperation

During Mchunu’s visit, some residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s approach. They argued that criminalizing zama zamas without addressing the underlying issues of poverty and joblessness would only exacerbate the problem.

“This is not just about closing the holes,” said one community leader. “It’s about providing alternatives for people who are trying to survive.”

The Way Forward

Mchunu acknowledged the complexity of the issue but insisted that law enforcement would continue its efforts to restore order. He called on community members to collaborate with the authorities to address the illegal mining crisis while exploring sustainable economic solutions.

The government delegation promised to engage with other stakeholders, including mining companies and social development agencies, to develop a comprehensive plan for the region.

Conclusion

The situation in Stilfontein underscores the challenges of balancing law enforcement with social and economic realities. While police operations aim to curb illegal mining, addressing the root causes will require a multi-faceted approach involving community engagement, economic development, and stricter regulation of abandoned mines.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the government’s efforts can bring stability to the region.