Trapped or Hiding? 14 Illegal Miners, Including Teen, Arrested at Stilfontein last night. Image: EWN.
(The Post News)- Stilfontein authorities arrested 14 illegal miners who resurfaced late Sunday evening at Shaft 10, with police confirming that the group, all Mozambican nationals, included a 14-year-old boy. The Northwest Community Safety Department has been working in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to address the issue of illegal mining in Stilfontein.
In a report by the SABC, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe revealed that the miners resurfaced at night, mistakenly believing that law enforcement had left the area. Arrested miners revealed to the police that heavily armed men control food and water supplies intended for the workers. These men reportedly confiscate provisions to maintain dominance and ensure the continuation of illegal mining activities.
The miners’ recovery efforts and additional security measures are part of a wider government-led operation, which is currently in its second phase to address the issues generated by illicit mining. Authorities face mounting pressure to not only crack down on the operations but also continue to retrieve illegal miners that are armed.
About the Author
