President Cyril Ramaphosa has labeled the Stilfontein mine a “crime scene” following a month-long standoff with illegal miners entrenched in a disused shaft. In a statement on Monday, he demanded a peaceful resolution to the situation at the North West provincial site.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), alongside other government agencies, has been working to remove the illegal miners from the abandoned gold mine. While over 1,000 miners have been brought to the surface and arrested, hundreds more are believed to remain underground.
Authorities have blocked access to the mine and cut off supplies of food and water to the miners. However, a recent Pretoria High Court ruling ordered officials to reopen the shaft to allow miners access to basic necessities such as food and water.
Ramaphosa highlighted that the operation forms part of the broader national initiative, Vala Umgodi, aimed at combating illegal mining across South Africa. He warned of the severe economic and social impact of these illegal activities, which cost the country billions of rand in lost export revenue, royalties, and taxes. Additionally, hazardous materials used by the miners pose health risks to surrounding communities.
In one tragic incident last year, 16 people, including three children, died in a Boksburg explosion linked to gas used by illegal miners to process gold. “We must be clear: the activities of these miners are illegal. They endanger our economy, communities, and public safety,” Ramaphosa said.
He emphasized the need for law enforcement to secure the Stilfontein mine, stating, “The mine is a crime scene where illegal mining is taking place. It is standard police procedure to secure a crime scene and block escape routes to prevent criminals from evading arrest.”
Over 1,000 miners who surfaced have already been arrested. On-site medical personnel assess those who resurface; detainees in good health are processed according to the law, while those needing medical care are transported to hospitals under police guard.
Ramaphosa assured that law enforcement officials are committed to safely bringing the remaining miners to the surface while minimizing harm to both the miners and the police. “As a country dedicated to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, we will continue working towards a peaceful resolution to the Stilfontein standoff,” he said.