Stilfontein – Authorities have discovered at least six bodies in abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein, North West, where there are concerns that hundreds of illegal miners may be trapped or unable to exit safely.

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola announced that six bodies were recovered, and a total of 26 miners successfully resurfaced from various shafts in the area.

“In the last 24 hours, we have retrieved six deceased individuals in Stilfontein. This tragic loss highlights the dangerous and life-threatening environment that these illegal miners are facing,” stated General Masemola.

He noted that post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine the causes of death for the illegal gold miners.

“Over the past 48 hours, at least 26 illegal miners have emerged from different shafts in the Stilfontein region,” mentioned General Masemola.

Additionally, he reported that more than 1,387 illegal miners have resurfaced in recent weeks.

The police have been stationed at the exits of the shafts to apprehend illegal miners as they come to the surface.

The arrested individuals comprise 919 from Mozambique, 382 from Zimbabwe, 65 from Lesotho, and 13 South Africans.

General Masemola revealed that the high court in Pretoria modified its earlier order mandating police to provide food and water to the illegal miners underground, earlier on Thursday.

“Effective today, new restrictions have been put in place regarding this order,” General Masemola stated.

“Food and water will now be supplied from Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 16:00. No supplies will be lowered on weekends.

“Furthermore, hazardous materials such as paraffin, gas, and diesel will no longer be allowed to be sent down to the illegal miners.”

General Masemola also indicated that the police are looking into potential human trafficking cases.

“We are investigating claims of child and human trafficking, as numerous individuals who have resurfaced mentioned being lured here with false promises of job opportunities,” disclosed General Masemola.

“They were later held against their will and coerced into illegal gold mining for their captors.

“There are reports that some of these armed bosses are keeping a significant number of these illegal miners hostage underground.”

“It is evident that everyone must vacate these derelict and abandoned mines, and we are actively working on solutions to achieve this goal.”

General Masemola emphasized that the recent arrests of key individuals reflect the police’s commitment to holding responsible parties accountable.

“Two illegal mining kingpins, Joacham Chivayo, a Zimbabwean national, and Ayanda Gungwa, a South African citizen, were apprehended by the Hawks at a luxury estate last Tuesday,” General Masemola stated.

“The pair was found in possession of R15 million worth of unwrought gold.

“They have already appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court and are facing charges under the Precious Metals Act.”