Court rejects plea for emergency aid to Stilfontein illegal miners

Mining/Miners

Cape Town – The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an application by the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which sought to compel government departments, including the SAPS, to provide emergency aid such as food, water, and medical assistance to illegal miners reportedly trapped in disused shafts in Stilfontein, North West.

The Society for the Protection of Our Constitution argued that individuals reportedly trapped in a disused mine shaft are entitled to basic necessities, including food and water, claiming they lack access to these essentials and have no means to exit.

The SAPS, however, argued successfully that no miners are physically trapped, claiming they are evading arrest and noting that over 1,200 miners have resurfaced recently.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that miners refusing to come out are doing so voluntarily to avoid apprehension.

The SAPS has allowed limited food and water supplies to reach the miners and assured medical aid for those who resurface.

The case dismissal aligns with Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at combating illegal mining in the region. Among those who recently surfaced was a 14-year-old boy, now in custody alongside others.

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