Stilfontein — Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, on Friday visited the abandoned mine in Stilfontein, where police confirmed that 350 to 400 illegal miners have refused to resurface.
His visit came after police urged the miners to resurface as community members’ concerns grew, fearing for the health and safety of the miners underground.
A community member allegedly said that more than 4 000 people were still underground, while some dead bodies were also reported to have surfaced.
Mchunu, visited the site on Friday morning and was briefed on the developments currently happening at the mine.
The minister did a walkthrough of the mine area where he was informed of the process of how the miners are lifted out of the shaft.
[WATCH] Police Minister Senzo Mchunu arrives in Stilfontein, North West, where he will be briefed on the developments related to illegal mining in the area. It is reported that thousands of illegal miners remain underground without food and water as they fear being arrested if… pic.twitter.com/9cJDh7rGLV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 15, 2024
The rope is anchored through various means to ensure sufficient support, should the illegal miners wish to resurface. pic.twitter.com/qGXKUFFmAV
— Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) November 15, 2024
According to The Citizen, police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the total number of miners who had refused to resurface was an exaggerated figure.
“In terms of the numbers, we do feel that the numbers are being exaggerated. We have pulled all resources and mobilised all resources to work on this particular case,” she said.
She added that police have collected information and operations on the ground are working with key stakeholders.
“Police have managed to estimate the numbers to be between 350 and 400. We don’t dispute that hundreds of illegal miners are underground and refuse to resurface. We’re only disputing the exaggeration of the thousands that are still stuck underground,” she added.
Mathe added that, despite police efforts, the pleas have been ignored, and efforts have included sending a negotiator, food, and posters down the shaft to persuade the miners to come out.
#sapsHQ #IllegalMining ~ The Silent Threat
Illicit mining has emerged as a significant threat to our nation’s security, economy, and environment. These clandestine operations often occur in remote areas, far from the watchful eye of law enforcement. However, their impact extends… pic.twitter.com/5IAxaFXLDD— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 15, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
