Update: 340 more illegal miners resurface, over 500 arrested so far! In an ongoing operation against illegal mining, a further 340 miners emerged from an underground mine shaft in Orkney, North West Province, on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
This brings the total to at least 565 illegal miners who have exited the site since the police initiated a crackdown on the activities.
The mass resurfacing follows intense action by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), who have been actively blocking supply routes into the mine.
The Orkney Operation and Growing Numbers
According to SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the latest group of miners emerged by midday on Sunday, just a day after 225 miners were forced to the surface due to dehydration and malnutrition.
Brigadier Mathe confirmed, “As of 12 p.m. on November 3, at least 565 illegal miners have exited the mine and come up to the surface.” The SAPS has maintained a strong presence in the area, ensuring no further supplies reach those still underground and ultimately encouraging them to resurface.
Police and SANDF Tighten Restrictions
The Vala Umgodi task team, composed of SAPS and SANDF personnel, has been blocking routes and preventing community members from delivering food, water, and other essential items to the miners.
This coordinated effort was part of a strategy to bring the miners out of hiding by cutting off the support system that had been sustaining them underground.
Earlier in the week, SAPS and SANDF forces halted local community efforts to supply necessities to the miners. The authorities believe that blocking these supply lines is the only effective way to curb the extensive network of illegal mining that thrives on resources provided by nearby residents.
Authorities’ Response and Concerns Over Malnutrition
The latest group of miners, like those who emerged previously, surfaced in a weakened state, suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition.
Police confirmed that the dire conditions underground, exacerbated by a lack of food and clean water, led many of them to come up willingly to avoid further health deterioration. Brigadier Mathe added that those who emerged were provided with initial medical assistance and were subsequently arrested.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, praised the police and SANDF teams on the ground for their dedication.
“Lieutenant General Sibiya has commended the teams on the ground and encouraged them not to back down to ensure that the rule of law is restored,” said Mathe. The Commissioner’s statement underlines the SAPS’s commitment to maintaining a firm stance on illegal mining, which remains a significant issue in the country.
Continuing the Crackdown: A Multi-Day Effort
The recent operation represents one of the largest-scale efforts by the SAPS and SANDF against illegal mining in recent years. While hundreds have resurfaced and been arrested, it is believed that more miners still remain underground.
National Commissioner Sibiya emphasized that the SAPS is closely monitoring the situation and intends to continue the operation until all miners have come to the surface.
“We are closely monitoring the situation unfolding in the North West province. We are not backing down until all those illegal miners resurface and are arrested,” Sibiya said, reinforcing SAPS’s unwavering resolve to see the operation through to its conclusion.
Risks and Challenges in Addressing Illegal Mining
The resurfacing of hundreds of miners points to the scale of the problem facing authorities. Illegal mining is a pervasive issue in South Africa, driven by economic hardship and the prospect of potentially lucrative findings in abandoned shafts.
However, it often involves dangerous conditions, unregulated practices, and, as the recent events in Orkney have shown, reliance on outside support from local communities.
The task of bringing these miners to the surface without causing undue harm has proven complex. Authorities must navigate public sentiment, as community members may have motivations rooted in solidarity or economic necessity for aiding the miners.
In addition, the dangers associated with the underground mining operations, including exposure to harmful gases, limited oxygen, and lack of access to proper sanitation, pose serious risks to those trapped below.
The Road Ahead: Law Enforcement and Social Solutions
The SAPS and SANDF’s commitment to enforcing the law through the Vala Umgodi operation is evident. However, addressing the root causes of illegal mining requires a multi-faceted approach.
Beyond the arrests and operations, many experts advocate for economic development programs in affected regions to provide viable job opportunities, reducing the allure of illegal mining.
As the operation in Orkney unfolds, the SAPS remains on high alert, determined to ensure the safety of all parties involved while upholding the law.
The impact of this crackdown may serve as a deterrent for illegal miners across the country, but it also highlights the need for sustainable interventions to address the socio-economic challenges that perpetuate illegal mining in South Africa.
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