Lizette Labuschagne

Jan 14, 2025 | sabcnews.com | Lizette Labuschagne

Twenty-six illegal miners have also been brought out of two shafts of the disused mine. This follows a government-led operation. The Mineral Resources and Police departments said in a statement that those brought to the surface are being inspected for illicit items such as gold nuggets and firearms. Paramedics will then assess them and take those who are not in good health to hospital.

Nov 29, 2024 | sabcnews.com | Lizette Labuschagne

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the mine rescue team that have been approached by government to assist to bring illegal miners in Stilfontein in the North West back to the surface is ready to start with their work. Mchunu, who was addressing community members, says they will most probably start their work next week. He emphasized that despite the shortcomings identified in Operation Vala Umgodi against illegal miners, the operation will not be stopped.

Nov 29, 2024 | sabcnews.com | Sentleeng Lehihi |Lizette Labuschagne

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says Operation Vala Umgodi had serious shortcomings as it didn’t consider the socioeconomic challenges in communities. Mchunu was briefing stakeholders in Stilfontein in the North West. He says the vast majority of illegal miners are from outside the country and there are continuous engagements with the affected embassies. “Why would people just want to do something unlawful or is it poverty at the root cause? What else it is? Is it unemployment?

Nov 27, 2024 | sabcnews.com | Lizette Labuschagne

Police have confirmed that 20 more illegal miners have resurfaced and were arrested at the Margaret Shaft outside Stilfontein in the North West today. This brings the number of illegal mine workers that have emerged from underground since the middle of August to close to 1 300.

Nov 16, 2024 | sabcnews.com | Lizette Labuschagne

The High Court in Pretoria has ordered that the mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West, where suspected illegal miners have been retrieved must be unblocked for emergency personnel and that no person should block it. This comes after the Society for the Protection of our Constitution approached the court on an urgent basis. The court further orders that any miners underground should be permitted to exit and that emergency personnel may enter the mine shaft.