Update: High Court Orders Stilfontein Mine Shaft To Be Unblocked For Rescue Access

The High Court in Pretoria has issued a directive for the Stilfontein mine shaft in North West to be unblocked, ensuring emergency personnel can access the site.

This order comes after the Society for the Protection of our Constitution urgently approached the court, stressing the need for unobstructed access.

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The court’s decision also mandates that any miners currently underground be allowed to exit, and that emergency responders be granted entry.

Attorney Yasmir Omar, representing the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, highlighted the importance of this ruling, especially in light of comments made by government officials.

“This follows statements by several ministers, notably the minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who suggested that the miners should be smoked out and persecuted,” Omar said.

“What is most concerning is the government’s apparent disregard for the lives of those trapped underground. The minister’s comments endorsed denying food, water, and other necessities to the 4,000 people trapped, which is a blatant disregard for their rights.”

More Miners Rescued In Stilfontein

On Saturday, two more suspected illegal miners were brought to the surface from the old Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein.

One miner, speaking to SABC, explained, “We weren’t initially trapped, but over time we realized we were stuck because our movement was restricted due to the police operation. There are rumors that many have died on other sides, but I can’t confirm how many.”

SAPS Welcomes Court Order

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed the High Court’s interim order. The police will continue their operations at all abandoned and disused mining shafts in the Stilfontein area, urging illegal miners to come to the surface.

The court order does not impede SAPS from fulfilling its constitutional duties. “All those who resurface will be assessed by on-site emergency medical personnel.

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“Those in good health will be processed and detained, while those requiring further medical care will be taken to the hospital under police guard,” read a statement from SAPS.

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