Stilfontein residents frustrated at ‘inaction’ over illegal

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and his deputy, Cassel Mathale, visited the area on Friday as part of an oversight inspection into the illegal mining crisis.  

The government has launched a multi-disciplinary operation to address rising criminal activity, including mass shootings linked to turf wars over illicit mining operations.

 As part of the initiative, the South African Police Service and the National Defence Force blocked access routes to prevent water and supplies from reaching the illegal miners.  

So far, more than 1,000 miners, many reportedly from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, have resurfaced due to hunger and dehydration.

However, some miners remain underground, refusing to come out despite the dire conditions.  

Local residents have expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the situation.

On Thursday, the community retrieved a decomposed body from the mine, raising fears that more bodies and starving miners remain underground.

SANCO North West regional secretary Lucky Ndlovu urged the government to act swiftly.  

“The people who resurfaced reported that there are more bodies underground. Evidence was provided, including three individuals pulled out on Wednesday and a decomposed body recovered on Thursday.

“This should be proof enough to take action,” he said.  

Ndlovu blamed a lack of clear leadership in addressing the crisis.  

“These are our people, and their families are suffering. While we do not support illegal mining, abandoning them to die is not the solution,” he added.  

Pastor Johannes Seleke, a community leader, echoed these sentiments, questioning Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe's absence.  

“This problem has persisted for years because open shafts were left unattended. Minister Mchunu is here, but where is the most relevant minister? The government has failed us,” said Seleke.  

In response, Mchunu called on the community to join efforts to tackle illegal mining and restore order.  

“This is the first time we’ve conducted a full assessment and gathered evidence. Moving forward, collaboration between the community, law enforcement, and private sector is crucial,” Mchunu said.  

He emphasised that law enforcement would continue its operations to ensure safety and stability.  

“We cannot ignore the importance of life and safety, but at the same time, unlawful activities must be stopped to bring stability to this area,” Mchunu added.  

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