A South African court has ordered police to remove a blockade at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, where hundreds, possibly thousands, of illegal miners are reportedly trapped underground.
The Pretoria court ruling on Saturday mandated the unblocking of the mine shaft, ensuring trapped miners can exit without obstruction. The judge specified that no government or private entity may block the site, and only emergency personnel are permitted access.
Police had surrounded the mine for several days, cutting off food and water supplies to the illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas.” Authorities had also been assessing the safety of the mine shafts to determine whether a forced evacuation was feasible. However, the court ruling prohibits such action, forcing a shift in the police response.
Reports about the number of miners underground vary. While a local source claimed there were as many as 4,000, police estimate the number to be in the hundreds. On Thursday, the body of one miner was brought to the surface, highlighting the perilous conditions underground.
“Zama zamas” frequently operate in abandoned mines across South Africa, drawn by the country’s rich mineral resources. Many of these miners are migrants from neighboring countries and are often accused of criminal activities, frustrating local communities and mining companies.
The incident in Stilfontein has reignited concerns about the risks associated with illegal mining and its impact on communities and law enforcement.
