By REGINALD KANYANE
14 November 2024 – The Operation Vala Umgodi task team in North West continues to call upon illegal miners, who are still underground in the Stilfontein area, to return to the surface. In line with safeguarding lives, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have allowed water and food to be delivered to those underground, so that they can safely resurface.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police and other safety officials, will remain in place in the North West until all illegal miners resurface and are arrested. Mokgwabone said the SAPS call on these illegal miners to resurface so that they can get relevant help or aid, including any medical attention that may be required.
“We appeal to the community in the area to allow the police space to do their job. The SAPS will not allow criminality to thrive. To date, more than 1000 individuals have resurfaced from illegal mining activities, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that those who remain underground resurface.
“Today, only three illegal miners have resurfaced. The SAPS will continue to stamp the authority of the state without fear or favour,” he said.
The Guardian 