Potchefstroom – Police in the North West this week arrested 26 illegal miners as they surfaced from shafts at abandoned gold mines in Stilfontein.
For weeks there have been conflicting reports about the number of illegal miners – better known as Zama Zamas – underground and whether or not they were stuck or simply refusing to surface to avoid arrest.
Initially, some reports suggested that thousands of miners were stuck underground and required assistance to get out of the abandoned mines. The number has since been revised downwards to hundreds.
Using ropes to climb out of dangerous shafts the miners have surfaced in small groups – usually at night – only to be arrested by police waiting at the exit points.
On Boxing Day, (Thursday 26 December 2024), police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said: “Since Monday, (23 December 2024), until today at 11:00, a total of 26 illegal miners were placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act”.
Colonel Myburgh added: “Of the 26 illegal miners, four resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and 22 at Buffelsfontein Shaft number 10.
“They [arrested suspects] comprise nine from Lesotho, four Zimbabweans, nine from Mozambique and four South Africans.”
Colonel Myburgh said that in addition to the stipulated charges, one of the suspects will be charged with the unlawful possession of gold-bearing material.
Another suspect was found in possession of explosives.
“All of them are still being processed and are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, (27 December 2024),” said Colonel Myburgh.
The police spokesperson said “Vala Umgodi” operations continue in the province.
