A community leader at Stilfontein in North West has expressed frustration over illegal miners making demands instead of accepting help and resurfacing from the abandoned gold mine in the area.

NO TIME FOR THEIR DEMANDS

Levy Lebusa complained that it's the festive season and people have families to tend to and can't keep entertaining people who don't want help. He was reacting to a letter sent up by illegal miners asking for more rice, tomato sauce and mayonnaise. "Those who don't want to resurface, wanting mayonnaise, it's their baby," said Pelusa. He explained that they were only extending a helping hand, but if their help was not needed, then there was nothing they could do about it. "It's December and we have our responsibilities. If they think we've got time to play games and entertain them while they are making requests for non-essentials, then it means they are happy to be down there," said a frustrated Pelusa. In the latest letter written in Sesotho, the zama zamas asked to be sent torches, paraffin and low blood pressure medication for the sick.

RESURFACE UPDATE

Last week, 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. He also said that food and water will only be supplied from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4pm and not on weekends. "Hazardous substances, including paraffin, gas and diesel, will no longer be allowed to be lowered down to the illegal miners," Masemola said. Police said only six illegal miners surfaced from the disused mine over the weekend. "All of them are Mozambican nationals," said Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone. He said more than 1400 miners have surfaced so far, with eight bodies retrieved since the operation began. "An unknown number of illegal miners remain underground. They have sent up letters asking for food and medication," said Mokgwabone.