On Sunday evening, 14 illegal miners, including a 14-year-old boy, were arrested after resurfacing from Shaft 10 at the abandoned Stilfontein mine. The group, all Mozambican nationals, were detained by police shortly after emerging, marking a significant step in efforts to combat illegal mining in the area.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests and reported that other miners had surfaced from a nearby shaft. Some miners tried to flee back underground upon seeing the police, confirming that the shafts are linked and that no one was trapped inside.
Mathe explained that the miners deliberately resurfaced at night, assuming that police would not be present. “Others ran back into the shaft as soon as they saw the authorities,” she said, adding that this suggests the miners could leave the shafts but are refusing to do so to avoid arrest.
In addition, the detained miners shared concerning details about the underground conditions. They confirmed that heavily armed groups control the tunnels, hoarding supplies like food and water meant for the miners. “The armed men are keeping the supplies for themselves to continue their illegal mining operations,” Mathe explained.
The Stilfontein mine remains a hotspot for illegal mining, with many miners risking their lives for precious metals. Police continue to monitor the situation, stepping up efforts to dismantle these operations and address the growing violence linked to the illegal mining trade.
