Pretoria – The SA government has hardened its stance regarding the rescue of illegal miners said to be stuck two km underground at Stilfontein abandoned gold mines in the North West.
The government insists the illegal miners – better known as Zama Zamas – can come to the surface on their own if they want to.
Rejecting suggestions that the Zama Zamas were stuck underground, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said some illegal miners were voluntarily emerging from the disused mine shafts in Stilfontein.
“This trend indicates that these individuals have the capability to exit the underground tunnels independently,” the GCIS said in a statement issued Sunday, (29 December 2024).
The statement appeared to be in response to weekend claims by an entity calling itself the “Stilfontein Crisis Committee” which accused the SA government of human rights abuses.
The Stilfontein Crisis Committee claimed the following:
- Depletion of Food Supplies: Food underground ran out months ago.
- Equitable Distribution of Aid: According to survivors’ testimonies, aid sent down is shared equally, not hoarded or sold by so-called kingpins.
- No Exit for Trapped Miners: The miners remain trapped due to police actions, with no viable way out. Miners cannot exit independently and require immediate aid and intervention to be rescued.
However, the GCIS disputed the claims, saying instead that the delayed surfacing of illegal miners “appears to be a tactic to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies”.
The statement added: “Contrary to claims that food underground ran out months ago, evidence suggests that the miners have had access to supplies until recently.
“Assertions that aid sent down is shared equally among miners are unverified.”
The GCIS said the government has not sanctioned any official aid deliveries to individuals engaged in illegal activities.
“Reports indicate that any supplies reaching the miners are controlled by underground syndicates, often leading to unequal distribution and exploitation,” said the GCIS.
“The notion that miners remain trapped solely due to police actions is misleading.”
The GCIS said the South African Police Service (SAPS) has implemented measures to secure the area and prevent further illegal activities.
“Designated exit points have been established to allow miners to surface safely and face due legal processes,” the statement explained.
“We cannot allow a situation where the government is held hostage.
“All Court directives have been complied with thus far, including the allowed food supply on a daily basis.”
The SAPS has previously indicated that it was working closely with all stakeholders involved in trying to get those illegal miners extracted from underground.
“The Stilfontein rescue operation that is being undertaken is not as easy as it seems… it is quite complex, with the depth of the shaft playing a major role in how this operation is carried out,” explained the GCIS.
“Unlike the Sabie operation, in which the shaft is 150 metres deep, the Stilfontein shaft is two km deep to where these illegal miners allegedly are, making it a very difficult and high-risk operation to undertake.”
Meanwhile, the rescue team has recommended that the necessary resources and expertise must be acquired.
The practicality and risks involved were also being taken into account.
The liability involved was also a major factor.
“Police are not experts and can therefore not lead this rescue operation,” said the GCIS.
“At this stage, the mine must acquire services to conduct the rescue operation, in which costs are involved.
“We are in possession of a quotation that indicates that there must also be a 100% upfront payment.
“It should be agreed upon that the government must approach this process with due diligence and the utmost care, taking into consideration the applicable supply chain management processes involved.”
The GCIS said these processes must be above board in line with relevant prescripts.
“We urge all individuals involved in these activities to surface voluntarily and engage with law enforcement to ensure their safety and well-being,” said the GCIS, adding: “Government is committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law in all its operations”.
The GCIS said the government’s stance was to uphold the rule of law.
“Thus, while immediate aid is not provided to facilitate illegal activities, measures are in place to ensure the safety and humane treatment of individuals who choose to come above ground,” the statement said.
The SA government remains steadfast in its efforts to address illegal mining activities, which pose significant risks to both the individuals involved and the broader community, the GCIS said.
Operations such as “Vala Umgodi” (Close the Pits) were ongoing to rehabilitate abandoned mines and prevent further unlawful exploitation.
The GCIS said the government was also working to tackle the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to illegal mining, including unemployment and lack of economic opportunities.
