South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday called for the safe recovery of illegal miners trapped underground in an abandoned mine in North West province. The miners, believed to have entered the disused mine in search of leftover gold, have been cut off from food and water supplies by police as part of efforts to force them to surface and face arrest.
In a statement, Ramaphosa stressed that the situation should not jeopardize lives. “No life should be at risk during this standoff,” he said, acknowledging the precarious nature of the situation, which has sparked criticism from local residents and human rights groups. These groups have condemned the police’s actions, which they argue are endangering the miners’ safety.
The Stilfontein mine, where the illegal mining is taking place, has been designated a crime scene by authorities. Police have blocked off escape routes and denied the miners access to resources, citing it as standard procedure to secure crime scenes and prevent escape. However, Ramaphosa urged the police to respect the rights of the miners and avoid putting them in harm’s way.
Ramaphosa assured the public that his government is committed to working with the mining industry to address the broader issue of illegal mining, which has been a longstanding problem in the country. The illegal mining trade, driven by both small-scale operators and organized criminal networks, has cost South Africa billions in lost revenue and royalties.
As the standoff continues, authorities remain unsure whether the miners still underground are unwilling or unable to leave. Local media reports indicate that at least 12 miners have been rescued since Wednesday by volunteers, but hundreds more may still be trapped underground.
