South African Correspondent
STILFONTEIN – Ten undocumented miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” have resurfaced from the depths of the Stilfontein mine in South Africa’s North West province, drawing attention to the ongoing crisis of illegal mining in the region.
According to National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, nine of the miners are from Mozambique, while one is from Zimbabwe.
The situation in Stilfontein is particularly alarming, as over 300 illegal miners are currently facing charges related to illegal mining activities and violations of the Immigration Act.
Among the group that emerged from the disused mine, a 14-year-old boy was detained by police, highlighting the vulnerability of young miners in these dangerous conditions.
A 19-year-old miner who was among those arrested shared a harrowing account of his experience underground, revealing that he had been trapped for six months.
“I came down here with a friend, but when I saw what they were doing, I wanted to leave. There are snipers down there. They will beat you if you want to leave,” he recounted, shedding light on the perilous environment faced by illegal miners.
Reports indicate that approximately 96 of the over 1,000 miners who have resurfaced in the area are minors, many of whom claim they were coerced into working underground by armed gangs. This has prompted investigations into potential exploitation within the illegal mining operations.
In a recent legal development, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed an application from the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which argued that the trapped miners were entitled to basic necessities such as food and water. The organization insisted that the miners had been cut off from essential supplies, but the court’s dismissal was welcomed by the South African Police Service.
“The unknown number of individuals reportedly trapped underground in the disused mine shaft are entitled to access basic necessities,” the organization had argued, but the court ruled against their application.
As the plight of illegal miners continues to unfold, authorities are grappling with the challenges posed by this underground economy, which often exploits vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities. The resurfacing of these miners underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the issues of illegal mining and the safety of those involved.
Zim GBC News©2024