Teen among 14 Stilfontein illegal miners who resurfaced overnight! The crackdown on illegal mining at the old Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein continues to yield results.
Authorities have revised the number of arrested illegal miners, or zama zamas, to 14, up from the initially reported 11. The arrests form part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi, which aims to dismantle illegal mining activities in the North West province.
Revised Arrest Numbers and Nationality
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that all 14 individuals arrested are Mozambican nationals. The arrests are the latest in a larger operation that has seen more than 1,000 illegal miners apprehended in the region in recent weeks.
Mathe revealed that the miners voluntarily surfaced from the mine, adding that their statements corroborated long-standing suspicions about the conditions underground.
Claims of Hostage Situations
The arrested miners reported being held hostage by heavily armed men who force them to dig for gold.
“They have confirmed what police have always been saying—that firstly, there is no one trapped underground, and that there are 10 heavily armed Basotho nationals guarding them,” said Mathe.
According to the miners, these armed men also confiscate food and water sent down into the shafts, withholding it from the illegal miners and using it to sustain their own operations.
A Grim Reality: A 14-Year-Old Among Those Arrested
Shockingly, a 14-year-old boy was among those arrested. His presence underscores the exploitative and dangerous nature of illegal mining, where individuals of all ages risk their lives in hazardous conditions.
The revelation has heightened calls for stricter enforcement against the criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals in such operations.
No Evidence of Miners Trapped Underground
One of the most significant clarifications from the latest developments is the confirmation that no miners are trapped underground.
“There is no one trapped,” Mathe emphasized, addressing earlier rumors that miners might be stuck in the shafts. This information shifts the focus to removing remaining miners and shutting down the illegal operation entirely.
Operation Vala Umgodi Continues
Operation Vala Umgodi has been an intense and coordinated effort involving law enforcement, mining experts, and other stakeholders.
The operation, which entered its next phase on Monday morning, aims to neutralize the illegal mining network. Authorities are employing specialized equipment, including cameras and cranes, to access deep shafts safely and retrieve those underground.
The process involves:
- Clearing Rubble: Removing debris obstructing access to the shafts.
- Camera Assessments: Lowering cameras into the shafts to evaluate conditions and identify miners.
- Rescue Missions: Using industrial cages to extract miners from the depths of the mine.
While authorities make progress on-site, concerns about food and water confiscation, as reported by the arrested miners, add complexity to the operation.
Impact and Broader Efforts
Operation Vala Umgodi is the first of its kind in South Africa, with an estimated cost of R1 million per day. The scale of the effort underscores the urgency of addressing the illegal mining crisis, which poses significant economic and social risks.
Police and local government have expressed concerns over extortion claims and demands for humanitarian aid, fearing these issues could hinder the operation’s success.
Despite these challenges, authorities remain steadfast in their mission. The operation aims not only to arrest illegal miners but also to dismantle the organized networks that perpetuate such activities.
A Dangerous Underground World
The Buffelsfontein mine arrests highlight the perilous reality of illegal mining. From hostage situations to exploitative conditions and the involvement of minors, the risks and human cost are immense.
As the operation continues, authorities are calling on communities to assist with information that could lead to the apprehension of those running these illegal networks.
Operation Vala Umgodi is more than a rescue and enforcement mission—it is a critical step toward restoring order and safety in mining areas plagued by illegal activity.
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