Watch| Illegal Miners Resurface From Stilfontein Abandoned Gold Mine

Police have reported that 14 illegal miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas, emerged from an abandoned gold mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West Province, late on Sunday evening. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the miners resurfaced from shaft 10, which is connected to shaft 11.

Mathe emphasised that the incident demonstrates the illegal miners were not trapped underground, contrary to earlier speculations. “They chose to come out late at night, thinking the police had left,” she stated. However, upon encountering law enforcement personnel still stationed at the scene, some miners quickly retreated underground.

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Number Of Illegal Miners Underground Disputed

The exact number of zama zamas still underground remains uncertain. Initial claims suggested that over 4,000 individuals might be operating beneath the surface.

However, police intelligence counters this, estimating the number to be in the hundreds. Efforts to secure the area and resolve the situation are ongoing, as law enforcement maintains a strong presence at the site.

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This development underscores the persistent issue of illegal mining in South Africa, which has long been associated with hazardous working conditions, environmental degradation, and violent turf wars. Authorities are increasingly focused on addressing these risks and safeguarding abandoned mining infrastructure.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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