The South African Police Service (SAPS) has ramped up its efforts in Stilfontein, North West, as part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi, a national initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining and dismantling the criminal networks associated with it. The operation, which has garnered attention in recent weeks, is a response to the growing threat posed by illegal miners, known as zama zamas, who are wreaking havoc in abandoned mines across the country.
Two weeks ago, SAPS, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), began sealing off the underground access points used by illegal miners. This move was a critical step in cutting off the vital supply lines of food, water, and other necessities that had been regularly delivered to these miners underground. The operation has already resulted in the successful rescue of several miners, with one deceased individual being recovered from the mines.
The government’s response to the illegal mining crisis is rooted in the need to protect both the public and the environment. Operation Vala Umgodi is not just about containing the miners but also about tackling the criminality associated with the practice. SAPS spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, highlighted the broader social impact of illegal mining, noting that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to reduce the risk of crime and violence in affected areas.
Mathe pointed to a particularly harrowing incident that brought the issue of illegal mining into the national spotlight: the horrific rape of eight women in Krugersdorp in 2022. The women, who were attacked by a group of illegal miners, were subjected to violence at the hands of criminals who had infiltrated the area. While the case remains unsolved, Mathe stressed that the perpetrators, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, are part of a criminal network that has become increasingly difficult to trace.
“The majority of these illegal miners are undocumented, making it difficult for us to track them, especially when we’re operating in areas where their presence is already entrenched,” Mathe explained. “The government’s response to this issue is part of a broader strategy to prevent and combat illegal mining activities that fuel both economic and social instability.”
In a chilling example of the dangers posed by these mining operations, Mathe also referenced an incident from the previous year when 20 bodies of illegal miners were discovered after a deadly shootout underground. The miners had reportedly killed each other in violent clashes, highlighting the extreme and often deadly environment these individuals operate in.
Despite the efforts to cut off supplies, a significant number of illegal miners remain underground, reportedly refusing to surface for fear of arrest. Police intelligence suggests that between 350 and 400 illegal miners are currently holed up beneath Stilfontein, but Mathe was quick to refute claims that these miners were trapped or unable to escape.
“Make no mistake, we are not in the business of rescuing illegal miners,” she said firmly. “These miners are refusing to come up because they are afraid of being arrested. This is a criminal operation that we are fighting against, and our strategy is to cut off their supply chains, prevent their activities, and apprehend those involved.”
Mathe emphasised that the SAPS will not send police officers or soldiers into the mines to retrieve individuals, citing the dangerous conditions underground. “There are hazardous gases in the mines that pose a significant risk to anyone who enters,” she explained. “Additionally, these miners are heavily armed, and we’ve recovered over 369 high-caliber firearms and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition from illegal mining operations since December.”
While the primary goal of Operation Vala Umgodi is to disrupt illegal mining, it is equally focused on protecting the lives of both civilians and law enforcement officers. Mathe stressed that the SAPS and SANDF are not willing to take unnecessary risks, given the volatile nature of the underground mining sites and the heavily armed criminals involved.
“We are playing a long game here,” Mathe said. “Our officers and soldiers are dedicated to serving and protecting the people of this country, but we cannot afford to send them into situations where their lives are at extreme risk.”
Interview with Mathe on SA fm’s Firs Take Programme on Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein: Listen below
