As an unknown number of illegal miners remain underground at an abandoned gold mine in Siltfontein, North West. National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola said continuing to supply food, water and necessities to the zama zamas who refuse to resurface defeats the purpose of operations to put a stop to illicit mining.
SUPPLYING FOOD DEFEATS PURPOSE OF OPERATION VALA MGODI
This is as the North Gauteng High Court heard an application yesterday brought forward by the Mining Affected Communities United in Action that sought to compel SAPS to allow communities to supply food, water and medication to illegal miners. Masemola said the SAPS raised concerns regarding the implementation of the interim court order on Sunday which compelled Minister Senzo Mchunu to allow community members, charity organisations and volunteers to provide humanitarian aid including water, food, and medication to the zama zamas who refuse to resurface at Stilfontein. The court order did not provide limitations to the supply of food and necessities. "Our view is that the continuous supply of food, water and necessities defeats the purpose of our ongoing operations, which seeks to put a stop to these ongoing illicit mining activities. Such a provision will only encourage the continuation of illicit mining activities underground," Masemola said.
LIMITATIONS ON SUPPLIERS
Masemola said yesterday, while visiting Stilfontein, that in terms of the court order, food and water will now be supplied from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm, confirming that no food will be lowered on weekends. "Hazardous substances, including paraffin, gas and diesel, will no longer be allowed to be lowered down to the illegal miners. The Stilfontein rescue operation that is being undertaken is not as easy as it seems; it is quite complex, the rescue team has recommended that the necessary resources and expertise be acquired. with the depth of the shaft playing a major role in how this operation is carried out. The rescue team has recommended that the necessary resources and expertise be acquired. The practicality and risks involved are also being taken into account. The liability involved is also a major factor," Masemola said, adding that the police are not experts and cannot lead the rescue operation.
NO RETREAT
The police commissioner added that as SAPS, they stand firm in support of Operation Vala uMgodi in Stilfontein and still maintain that it is not safe for any human being to be underground in those disused mine shafts. He also pleaded for support from affected communities in stopping illegal mining. "Together we can and will stop these illicit activities if we are all committed to the fight. Police operations continue while funds are being sourced to execute this operation.' Yesterday, police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said 26 illegal miners resurfaced from underground between Wednesday and Thursday. "Of this number, 11 resurfaced on Wednesday while 15 came out yesterday. They include 14 Mozambicans, 11 Basotho and one South African, while a total of seven bodies have been retrieved since early November 2024 to date," said Mokgwabone.
