
Potchefstroom – This week, authorities in North West have detained 26 illegal miners who emerged from shafts at abandoned gold mines in Stilfontein.
For several weeks, there have been differing reports about the number of illegal miners – often called Zama Zamas – underground, raising concerns about whether they were trapped or deliberately evading surfacing to avoid capture.
Initially, reports suggested that thousands of miners were stuck underground and needed assistance to get out of the abandoned mines. However, this figure has since been revised to hundreds.
Using ropes to climb from dangerous shafts, the miners have been emerging in small groups – usually at night – only to be arrested by police at exit points.
On Boxing Day, (Thursday, 26 December 2024), police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh remarked: “Since Monday, (23 December 2024), up to today at 11:00, a total of 26 illegal miners were arrested for illegal mining, trespassing, and violations of the Immigration Act.”
Colonel Myburgh further noted: “Among the 26 illegal miners, four emerged at Margaret Shaft and 22 at Buffelsfontein Shaft number 10.”
“The arrested individuals include nine from Lesotho, four from Zimbabwe, nine from Mozambique, and four South Africans.”
Colonel Myburgh mentioned that in addition to the charges already stated, one suspect will face allegations regarding the unlawful possession of gold-bearing material.
Furthermore, another suspect was apprehended with explosives.
“All of them are currently undergoing processing and are scheduled to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, (27 December 2024),” Colonel Myburgh confirmed.
The police spokesperson stated that “Vala Umgodi” operations continue throughout the province.