South Africa arrests 14 who resurfaced from illegal mine

South African authorities on Monday arrested 14 individuals who resurfaced from an abandoned illegal gold mine in Stilfontein, about 150 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. The site is believed to house hundreds of miners hiding underground. The arrests followed weeks of a standoff during which police stationed outside the mine intermittently blocked locals from delivering food and water to the miners, known locally as zama zamasZulu for “those who try.” The controversial operation has drawn criticism and fears that some of the miners may be starving or dying underground. However, the police refuted claims that the individuals were trapped, stating, A total of 14 illegal miners resurfaced last night proving that they are not trapped they just refuse to resurface. Police noted that others retreated into the mine upon noticing law enforcement presence. All those apprehended are reportedly Mozambican nationals. South Africa’s illegal mining sector, often involving individuals from neighboring countries, has drawn attention for its hazardous conditions. A miner who resurfaced on November 17 revealed that he had spent two months underground. Despite concerns about the miners welfare, government officials have taken a firm stance. Minister of the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, remarked, Were going to smoke them out. President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the police operation, which involved blocking supplies to compel the miners to emerge. So far, more than 1,000 miners have surfaced and been arrested, Ramaphosa said last week, describing the Stilfontein site as a crime scene. Ramaphosa added, Those in good health are detained and will be processed according to the law. Those who require medical care will be taken to hospital under police guard. The exact number of miners still underground remains unclear. Initial estimates suggested 4,000 individuals, but police have since revised the figure to likely be in the hundreds. The post South Africa arrests 14 who resurfaced from illegal mine appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

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