Stilfontein – Authorities have retrieved at least six bodies from abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein, North West, raising concerns that hundreds of illegal miners might be trapped or unable to reach the surface.
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola announced that six bodies were recovered, while a total of 26 miners successfully resurfaced from various shafts in the area.
“In the last 24 hours, six deceased individuals have been recovered in Stilfontein. This loss of life is tragic and highlights the dangerous conditions under which these illegal miners are working,” stated General Masemola.
He noted that post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine the causes of death among the illegal gold miners.
“At least 26 illegal miners have emerged from different shafts in the Stilfontein region over the past 48 hours,” General Masemola mentioned.
Additionally, he highlighted that over 1,387 illegal miners have surfaced in recent weeks.
Police have been stationed at the shaft exits to apprehend illegal miners as they emerge.
Among those arrested, 919 were from Mozambique, 382 from Zimbabwe, 65 from Lesotho, and 13 were South Africans.
General Masemola also revealed that the high court in Pretoria has adjusted its earlier order mandating police to provide food and water to illegal miners underground, earlier on Thursday.
“As of today, new restrictions have been put in place regarding this order,” General Masemola stated.
“Food and water will now be provided 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 permitted to be brought down to the illegal miners.”
General Masemola also revealed that police are investigating potential human trafficking cases.
“We are looking into allegations of child and human trafficking, as many individuals who have resurfaced indicated that they were lured here with false promises of employment opportunities,” General Masemola disclosed.
“They were reportedly held against their will and forced into illegal gold mining for their captors.
“We have received information that some of these armed bosses are holding a significant number of these illegal miners hostage underground.”
“It is evident that all individuals must leave these derelict and abandoned mines, and we are working diligently to facilitate this.”
General Masemola emphasized that the recent arrests of key individuals demonstrate the police’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
“Two illegal mining kingpins, Joacham Chivayo, a Zimbabwean, and Ayanda Gungwa, a South African, were arrested by the Hawks at a luxury estate last Tuesday,” General Masemola stated.
“The duo was found in possession of R15 million worth of unwrought gold.
“They have already appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court and face charges under the Precious Metals Act.”
