The Telegraph
Pretoria – The South African government has strengthened its stance regarding the reported rescue of illegal miners allegedly trapped two kilometers underground at the derelict gold mines in Stilfontein, North West.
The authorities claim that the illegal miners, often referred to as Zama Zamas, are capable of making their way back to the surface if they choose to do so.
In light of allegations that the Zama Zamas are indeed trapped underground, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) noted that several illegal miners have been voluntarily emerging from the abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein.
“This trend indicates that these individuals have the capacity to exit the underground tunnels independently,” the GCIS stated in a press release issued on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
This announcement appears to contradict recent claims made by a group calling itself the “Stilfontein Crisis Committee,” which accuses the South African government of infringing on human rights.
The Stilfontein Crisis Committee has made multiple allegations, including:
- Food Supply Depletion: Reports suggest that the food supplies underground ran out months ago.
- Fair Aid Distribution: Survivors have claimed that any aid sent down is distributed fairly, rather than being hoarded or sold by alleged leaders.
- Trapped Miners: The miners are unable to escape due to police actions, leaving them in urgent need of assistance and intervention for rescue.
Nonetheless, the GCIS dismissed these assertions, proposing that the ongoing emergence of illegal miners may be a tactic to evade law enforcement.
The statement continued: “Contrary to claims that the food supply underground has been depleted for months, there is evidence that the miners have had access to supplies until recently.”
“Allegations that aid sent down is evenly shared among miners remain unverified.”
The GCIS emphasized that the government has not sanctioned any official aid deliveries to those involved in illegal activities.
“Reports indicate that any supplies reaching the miners are handled by underground syndicates, which often results in unfair distribution and exploitation,” the GCIS stated.
“The notion that miners remain trapped solely due to police actions is misleading.”
The GCIS explained that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is taking measures to secure the area and prevent further illegal activities.
“Designated exit points have been established to allow miners to surface safely and face the legal proceedings that lie ahead,” the statement elaborated.
“We cannot permit a situation where the government is held hostage.”
“All court orders have been adhered to thus far, including the daily distribution of authorized food supplies.”
The SAPS has previously affirmed its collaboration with all stakeholders involved in the efforts to extract these illegal miners from underground.
“The Stilfontein rescue operation is not as straightforward as it may seem… it is highly complex, especially given the depth of the shaft, which greatly affects the execution of this operation,” the GCIS elaborated.
“Unlike the operation in Sabie, where the shaft is 150 meters deep, the Stilfontein shaft is two kilometers deep, where these illegal miners are reportedly located, presenting a significantly challenging and high-risk rescue operation.”
In the meantime, the rescue team has advised that essential resources and expertise required for the operation must be secured.
The practicalities and risks associated with the operation are also being assessed.
Liability concerns are another crucial consideration.
“Police are not specialists in this area and therefore cannot lead this rescue operation,” asserted the GCIS.
“At this stage, the mine must engage the necessary services for the rescue operation, which will incur costs.”
“We have a quotation indicating that a 100% upfront payment is necessary.”
“It is crucial that the government approaches this process diligently and with the utmost caution, taking into account relevant supply chain management protocols.”
The GCIS emphasized that these processes must comply with established regulations.
“We encourage all individuals involved in these activities to surface voluntarily and work with law enforcement to ensure their safety and well-being,” stated the GCIS, adding: “The government is committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law in all its operations.”
The GCIS reiterated that the government’s approach is to uphold the rule of law.
“Thus, while immediate aid is not provided to facilitate illegal activities, measures are in place to ensure safe and humane treatment for those who choose to come above ground,” the statement concluded.
The South African government remains dedicated to tackling illegal mining operations, which pose significant risks to both those involved and the broader community, according to the GCIS.
Operations such as “Vala Umgodi” (Close the Pits) continue to rehabilitate abandoned mines and prevent further unlawful exploitation.
The GCIS also noted ongoing efforts to address the root socio-economic issues contributing to illegal mining, such as unemployment and lack of economic opportunities.
