The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that over 1,500 illegal miners, known as zama zamas, have resurfaced from abandoned mines in Stilfontein, North West.
This follows the launch of an intensive police operation, “Vala Umgodi,” aimed at combating illegal mining.
On Christmas Day, disturbing reports surfaced claiming that some miners, driven by desperation, resorted to cannibalism by consuming the remains of those who died underground.
These allegations were detailed in a letter written in broken isiZulu and isiXhosa, which was hoisted to the surface on Christmas Eve.
The letter also described miners falling ill, disappearing while attempting to exit via Shaft 10, and suffering from extreme weakness.
On Thursday, six miners resurfaced and are expected to join 26 others appearing in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of illegal mining.
Many of these miners are foreign nationals and will also face charges for violating South Africa’s Immigration Act.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh revealed that the 1,500 miners were initially held in police cells across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District before being transferred to correctional facilities after their first court appearances.
“We have just passed the 1,500 mark of people who have resurfaced. I must tell you, the district commissioner has had their hands full trying to secure enough space, especially before court appearances, with people detained in police cells,” Myburgh said.
The court has ruled that most foreign nationals be deported to their home countries. Myburgh explained that deportation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis during court proceedings, adding that many miners have already been deported.
Police have maintained a presence at the abandoned mines to prevent miners from returning. However, the exact number of miners still trapped underground remains uncertain.
Based on accounts from those who resurfaced, there may be between 300 and 350 individuals still underground, though this figure cannot be confirmed.
“None of us has the equipment to go down there by ourselves, apart from the fact that it is extremely dangerous,” Myburgh stated.
Police continue their efforts to monitor and secure the area as they address this complex crisis.
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