South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged authorities on Monday to ensure the safe recovery of hundreds of illegal miners trapped underground in a disused mine shaft in North West province. The miners, who had entered the abandoned Stilfontein mine in search of leftover gold, have been blocked from receiving food and water supplies by police in an effort to force them out and make arrests.
Illegal mining, a longstanding issue in South Africa, has seen a surge in activity, with more than 1,000 miners emerging in recent weeks. However, authorities reported that hundreds may still be trapped underground. Human rights groups and local residents have voiced concerns over the authorities’ decision to block essential supplies to the miners.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa described the situation as precarious and potentially volatile. He acknowledged that while the Stilfontein mine is a crime scene due to illegal mining activities, police should respect the rights of the miners and avoid putting their lives at risk. “It is standard police practice to secure a crime scene and block escape routes, but the safety of the miners must be prioritized,” he stated.
Ramaphosa also emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the mining industry to address the persistent problem of illegal mining. He reassured the public that the police would continue their efforts to bring the miners to the surface safely.
The issue of illegal mining in South Africa has been exacerbated by both small-scale operations and organized criminal syndicates, costing the country billions in lost revenue and royalties. While the exact number of miners still underground is unclear, public broadcaster SABC reported that volunteers had successfully rescued 12 miners since last Wednesday.
