South African Minister Vows to 'Smoke Out' Illegal Miners in Gold Mine

stilfontein - A group of illegal miners in South Africa refuse to leave a gold mine, fearing deportation if they do. The situation in Stilfontein, a town in a northwestern province of South Africa, sheds light on the issue of illegal mining in the region.

In the town of Stilfontein, a significant number of illegal miners are trapped in a former gold mine. These abandoned mines, deemed exhausted by mining companies, still hold remnants of gold that attract illegal miners. These miners, often individuals from the lower strata of society and illegal migrants from neighboring countries, engage in what is known as zama zama, risking their lives using poor equipment and explosives.

The widespread phenomenon of zama zama mining poses a challenge due to the large number of abandoned mines. The police have adopted a controversial solution known as 'vala umgodi', which means 'close the hole'. This tactic involves blocking mine entrances, forcing miners to emerge due to hunger and thirst, leading to their subsequent arrest.

Reports initially suggested that around 4,000 individuals were underground in Stilfontein, living in dire conditions to evade arrest. However, the police estimate the actual number to be between 350 and 400 individuals. The duration of their underground stay remains unclear, with some miners known to spend months below ground, receiving supplies from the surface.

Since the police operation against illegal miners commenced in December last year, around a thousand miners have been brought to the surface. The authorities justify their strict actions by citing criminal activities and gangs within the mines, confiscating firearms, ammunition, cash, and uncut diamonds.

South African Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has taken a firm stance, stating they will not assist the miners but will 'smoke them out' until they surface. This harsh approach has garnered criticism, with humanitarian organizations describing the situation as a crisis and local volunteers attempting to provide aid.

As tensions rise, the South African Human Rights Commission has announced an investigation into the police's handling of the situation in Stilfontein.