More Illegal Miners Resurface At Stilfontein Mine in North West

Police have confirmed that 20 additional illegal miners, known as zama zamas, resurfaced at the Margaret Shaft in Stilfontein, North West, on Wednesday. This brings the total number of individuals who have emerged since the rescue operation began on 18 August to nearly 1,300.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the latest group consists of 10 Lesotho nationals, six Zimbabweans, and four Mozambicans.

Task Team Intensifies Efforts Against Illegal Mining

A special task team, established by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has been conducting operations to tackle the issue of illegal mining in Stilfontein. The miners, reportedly stuck for weeks in the 2 km-deep shaft, have been emerging sporadically.

On Sunday, 14 zama zamas—identified as Mozambican nationals, including a 14-year-old minor—resurfaced at Shaft 10, located a few kilometres away. Another group attempted to resurface on Monday but retreated upon spotting police stationed at the shaft.

The exact number of zama zamas still underground remains unclear. Some estimates suggest over 4,000 miners are trapped in the shafts, though police intelligence disputes this, indicating only a few hundred remain.

Court Dismisses Application for Relief

Earlier this week, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed an application by the Society for the Protection of our Constitution, which sought to compel government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), to provide emergency disaster relief to the illegal miners.

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The civil organisation argued that the police had blocked entrances to the mine shafts, preventing miners from resurfacing and leaving them without access to essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid. The court rejected the application for final relief, stating it lacked merit.

Undocumented Children Among Arrested Miners

The North West Department of Social Development confirmed that 96 undocumented children were among the illegal miners arrested in Khuma, Stilfontein. Most of the miners are believed to be from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

The department is working to accommodate and provide for the basic needs of the children in accordance with the Child Justice Act while they await processing.

Authorities have pledged to continue efforts to curb illegal mining in the country. “This operation is crucial for addressing the dangerous and illegal activities that threaten both public safety and South Africa’s economic stability,” said a police official.

The police and task team remain stationed at key points around the Stilfontein mine as operations proceed.

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