South Africa’s government has taken a hard stance against illegal mining, refusing to aid a group of trapped miners in the North-West province’s Stilfontein area. The miners, estimated to be around 350-400, have been sealed off from food and water supplies as part of the “Vala Umgodi” operation, aimed at forcing them to surface and face arrest.
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has deemed the miners “criminals,” reinforcing the country’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining. This stance is backed by concerns about armed miners and the risks of intervention. The government has been cracking down on illegal mining since December, seizing firearms, ammunition, cash, and uncut diamonds.
The situation is dire, with reports of a decomposed body found in the mine, highlighting the dangers faced by these miners. Earlier estimates suggested up to 4,000 miners were trapped, but officials now believe the number is significantly lower.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t an isolated incident, Illegal mining is a persistent issue in South Africa, with some operations involving thousands of miners. The government’s tough approach aims to curb this illegal activity, but it raises concerns about the welfare of those trapped underground.
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