South Africa Says It Won’t Help Illegal Miners Trapped in Sealed Stilfontein Mine

Stilfontein, North West Province — South Africa’s government has announced it will not provide aid to a large group of illegal miners trapped in a closed mine in North West province.

The miners are reportedly struggling with a lack of necessities, including food and water, as police work to restrict supplies to force them out. This measure is part of the nationwide “Vala Umgodi” or “Close the Hole” operation, a strategy targeting illegal mining.

The operation, led by South African police, involves sealing entrances to abandoned mines and cutting off supply chains to pressure miners to surface, where they face arrest. Initial reports suggested that up to 4,000 miners were underground in Stilfontein.

However, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe clarified on Thursday that the actual number is likely between 350 and 400 miners, based on information from intelligence operatives and recent extractions.

This image shows where illegal miners—with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands—are trapped in a closed mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, on November 13, 2024. Thursday, officials in South Africa said that they do not… More AP Photo/AP Photo

“We believe the numbers have been exaggerated,” said Mathe. “Our resources on the ground, including intelligence units, have been working with all stakeholders to assess the situation accurately.”

South Africa’s ministers of police and defence are scheduled to visit the area on Thursday to discuss the ongoing operation with local officials and community leaders. Since October 18, police have intensified their efforts in North West province, closing access points to mines and closely monitoring areas around Stilfontein to prevent unauthorised supply deliveries.

While it is still being determined how long the current group of miners has been underground, many miners stay for extended periods, depending on supplies from above ground.

Mathe confirmed that no government or police personnel would be sent into the mines due to safety risks. “There is a high risk of loss of life,” she stated.

Authorities have expressed concerns over the potential for violence, as illegal miners are often heavily armed. Since the crackdown began last December, police have confiscated more than 369 high-calibre firearms, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, cash totalling 5 million rands (US$275,000), and uncut diamonds valued at 32 million rands (US$1.75 million).

Over 1,000 miners have come to the surface in North West province recently, many in poor health after extended periods without basic supplies. Police continue to secure mine entrances and conduct arrests as miners emerge from underground.

South African Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reaffirmed the government’s stance against assisting illegal miners. “We are not sending help to criminals,” she said on Wednesday. “We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. Criminals are not to be helped. We didn’t send them there.”

Illegal mining remains a pervasive issue in South Africa’s gold-mining regions. Miners, often from neighbouring countries, access closed shafts to seek residual deposits.

Authorities report that these operations are organised by larger criminal syndicates, who supply the miners and allegedly commit crimes in nearby communities, including robbery and assault.

Rivalries among illegal mining groups frequently lead to deadly confrontations, heightening security concerns for law enforcement and local communities. South Africa’s “Close the Hole” operation, by severing supply lines and restricting mine access, is the government’s latest effort to address the growing problem of illegal mining.