South Africa has taken a hardline approach against illegal miners trapped in a closed mine in the North West province, refusing to offer assistance as part of its strategy to combat unauthorised mining. The operation, known as Vala Umgodi (‘Close the Hole’), has seen police blocking off access points to the Stilfontein mineshaft, cutting off supplies of food, water, and other essentials.
The move is intended to force miners to surface, where they are likely to face arrest. However, concerns are mounting about the deteriorating condition of those trapped underground.
Initial reports suggested as many as 4,000 illegal miners, or zama zamas as they are locally known, could be trapped beneath the surface. However, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe later revised this figure, estimating the number at between 350 and 400 miners.
‘We believe the earlier numbers were exaggerated,’ Mathe stated. ‘We’ve deployed significant resources, including intelligence operatives on the ground, who have engaged with all stakeholders. Based on this, we estimate the number underground to be far lower.’
On Thursday, senior officials, including the Ministers of Police and Defence, were expected to visit Stilfontein to engage with local authorities and community members.
The situation in Stilfontein underscores the harsh realities of illegal mining in South Africa, particularly in abandoned gold mines. Miners often remain underground for months, relying on supplies brought in by collaborators. With these supply lines now severed, their survival is precarious.
Despite the risks, authorities have categorically ruled out any rescue operations. ‘No police officer, soldier, or government official will go down into an abandoned mine,’ said Mathe. ‘The risk of loss of life is simply too high.’
Police have also indicated that the miners may be heavily armed. Since launching intensified operations against illegal miners last December, authorities have seized more than 369 firearms, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and uncut diamonds worth R32 million (£1.4 million).
Rising toll on communities
Illegal mining remains widespread in South Africa, particularly in decommissioned gold mines. The practice is often linked to larger criminal syndicates that exploit miners, many of whom are migrants from neighbouring countries.
Their activities have also become a flashpoint for tension with local communities, which accuse the miners of crimes ranging from robbery to sexual violence.
The presence of heavily armed rival mining groups has led to violent clashes, adding to the instability in affected areas.
Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has been unequivocal in the government’s refusal to assist the trapped miners.
‘We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out,’ Ntshavheni declared. ‘Criminals are not to be helped. They didn’t belong there in the first place.’
Since the operation began, over 1,000 illegal miners have surfaced across North West province. Many have been found in poor health, weakened by weeks without basic supplies. Authorities continue to patrol the mine’s perimeter, arresting those who emerge.
Illegal mining represents a significant challenge for South Africa, which struggles to manage the legacy of its once-booming gold industry. Closed mines still hold traces of valuable minerals, attracting desperate miners willing to take significant risks.
The government’s crackdown may disrupt illegal operations in the short term, but deeper issues remain. Syndicates controlling these miners often operate across borders, making enforcement complex. Moreover, the socio-economic drivers behind illegal mining—poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities—persist, particularly for migrant workers.
While the Vala Umgodi operation signals a tough stance, questions remain about its long-term effectiveness. Critics argue that without addressing the systemic issues fuelling illegal mining, such operations are unlikely to yield lasting results.
For now, South Africa’s focus remains on asserting its authority and safeguarding affected communities. As the miners in Stilfontein face an uncertain future underground, the government is standing firm, determined to send a clear message: illegal mining will not be tolerated.
Credit: Africabreifing
