Trapped in darkness: 4,500 illegal miners stranded underground
Over 4,500 illegal miners are trapped underground in an inactive gold mine in Stilfontein, North West Province, South Africa. Heavy rains are preventing the delivery of food and water to them.
10:33 AM EST, November 14, 2024
The trapped miners, known as zama zamas in South Africa, are deep underground without access to food and water. Many are dehydrated, and some are sick and unable to move. Contact was made with them on Tuesday. This information was provided by local community leader Thembile Botman.
Residents of Stilfontein delivered water and food to those trapped for several days, but heavy rain has hindered further assistance, cutting off access to the shaft. Botman also confirmed that there are bodies of deceased illegal miners underground.
On the surface, the police are waiting for the miners, having secured all exits from the mine. Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone stated that the miners can leave the mine anytime. Since October 18, over a thousand zama zamas have voluntarily surrendered to the police due to a lack of food and water.
Charges for detained miners
The detainees have been charged with violating immigration laws, as most of them come from Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and with involvement in illegal mining. The police are conducting Operation "Vala Umgodi," to combat illegal mining in closed gold, chrome, and platinum mines. Since December last year, more than 13,600 people have been arrested as part of this operation in seven provinces.
Illegal mineral extraction from closed mines in South Africa has intensified in recent years due to deteriorating economic conditions, high unemployment, and labor migration from neighboring countries. According to South African police, illegal mining is closely linked to international gangs, and zama zamas are often armed and do not hesitate to use weapons against officers.
