South African authorities remain resolute in their mission to apprehend illegal miners emerging from an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein, approximately 145km southwest of Johannesburg, where hundreds are believed to be hiding.
This development follows a recent court directive preventing the blockade of the mine shaft. Despite this, police have maintained a firm presence, initially stopping supplies of food and water to force the miners out. These miners, some of whom are undocumented migrants fearing deportation, have stayed underground for over a month.
Public disapproval of the government’s stern tactics has led to police allowing volunteers to provide minimal sustenance. On Saturday, Pretoria’s court ruled that access to the mine should remain open and that any exits must not be hindered. Emergency aid is now permitted, though only emergency personnel can enter.
Three miners emerged Saturday, with one requiring medical treatment and two others arrested. Reports indicated that those trapped had resorted to eating vinegar and toothpaste, with a body reportedly retrieved by volunteers last Thursday.
Authorities are assessing the mine’s stability to decide on potential forced evacuations. Meanwhile, legal representatives stress the urgency of providing medical relief as a full court hearing looms.
The South African Police Service emphasized that the court ruling allows continued arrests, noting that over 1,000 miners have already been detained. South Africa, known for its vast mineral wealth, faces challenges from unprofitable mines, which have fueled an illegal mining industry that attracts desperate miners and criminal involvement.
The incident has drawn scrutiny from the South African Human Rights Commission, which is investigating possible rights infringements amid the police’s stringent response.
