Potchefstroom – This week, law enforcement in North West arrested 26 illegal miners who emerged from shafts at abandoned gold mines in Stilfontein.
For several weeks, there have been differing reports concerning the number of illegal miners – commonly known as Zama Zamas – underground, leading to speculation about whether they were trapped or deliberately staying hidden to evade arrest.
Initially, it was reported that thousands of miners were stranded underground and needed assistance to emerge from the abandoned mines; however, this number has been revised to hundreds.
The miners have been using ropes to climb out of dangerous shafts, surfacing in small groups—typically at night—only to be met with arrests by police at exit points.
On Boxing Day, (Thursday, 26 December 2024), police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh stated: “Since Monday, (23 December 2024), up until today at 11:00, a total of 26 illegal miners were apprehended for illegal mining, trespassing, and violations of the Immigration Act.”
Colonel Myburgh further indicated: “Of the 26 illegal miners, four surfaced at Margaret Shaft and 22 at Buffelsfontein Shaft number 10.”
“Those arrested include nine individuals from Lesotho, four from Zimbabwe, nine from Mozambique, and four from South Africa.”
Colonel Myburgh also mentioned that in addition to the charges already stated, one suspect faces allegations related to the unlawful possession of gold-bearing material.
Furthermore, another suspect was apprehended with explosives.
“All of them are currently undergoing processing and are anticipated to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, (27 December 2024),” Colonel Myburgh confirmed.
The police spokesperson noted that “Vala Umgodi” operations are still ongoing across the province.
