Some teenagers arrested in Stilfontein say they were deceived into working underground

Some teenagers arrested in Stilfontein say they were deceived into working underground! Several teenagers who resurfaced from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein on Thursday shared harrowing stories of being lured underground under false pretenses.

Among the 17 zama zamas (illegal miners) arrested in the area were a 19-year-old and two 16-year-old boys.

Police Crackdown on Illegal Mining

The arrests are part of an ongoing police operation targeting illegal mining in Stilfontein, a town long plagued by the activity. The teens, along with the other arrested individuals, are facing charges including trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Law enforcement agencies have intensified their focus on dismantling illegal mining operations, particularly following recent incidents where dozens of illegal miners resurfaced from abandoned shafts in the area.

Some teenagers arrested in Stilfontein

Stories of Deception and Forced Labor

The three teenagers, all from Mozambique, revealed that they had been tricked into working in the mines under inhumane conditions. One of them, a 19-year-old, recounted how he was lured to South Africa by a relative with promises of legitimate work.

“My uncle told me we were going to look for work,” he said. “But when we got to South Africa, he told me we were going to work at the mines. I told him I didn’t want to go underground; I told him my mom wouldn’t approve. But he told me it was too late, and there was no turning back.”

The teen claimed that once underground, heavily armed guards from the Basotho community took control, enforcing grueling conditions. “The Basotho bosses had guns and told me I had to work,” he explained.

Abuse and Deprivation Underground

The teenagers further alleged that they were denied basic necessities such as food and water while working in the mines. They described a system of forced labor enforced by armed guards who ensured compliance through intimidation and violence.

One of the 16-year-old boys said he was terrified from the moment he was forced underground. “They didn’t care how young we were. We had to keep working, even if we were hungry or thirsty. If you tried to stop, they would threaten you or hit you.”

Broader Issues in Illegal Mining

Illegal mining remains a pervasive issue in South Africa, particularly in gold-rich regions like Stilfontein. Zama zamas often operate in abandoned or disused mines, exposing themselves to life-threatening conditions such as cave-ins, gas leaks, and violence.

These operations are frequently controlled by criminal syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals, including undocumented migrants and underage workers. Stories of forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation are common, highlighting the darker side of the lucrative illegal mining industry.

Law Enforcement Response

South African authorities have ramped up efforts to curb illegal mining activities, conducting raids and arrests in hotspot areas. The recent operation in Stilfontein, which led to the arrest of 17 individuals, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.

However, advocacy groups argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of illegal mining, such as poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and porous border controls that allow undocumented migrants to enter the country.

Hope for Rehabilitation

The rescued teens expressed relief at being removed from the mines but remain uncertain about their futures. The 19-year-old said he wants to return to Mozambique to warn others about the dangers of illegal mining. “I never want to go underground again,” he said. “I want to go home and tell my friends to stay away from people who promise them easy money in South Africa.”

Moving Forward

The plight of these teenagers underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to combat illegal mining. Beyond law enforcement, efforts must include stricter border control, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation programs for those rescued from such conditions.

Authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown while ensuring that individuals like these teenagers are given a chance to rebuild their lives away from exploitation and danger. For now, their stories serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost behind the illegal mining industry.

The post Some teenagers arrested in Stilfontein say they were deceived into working underground appeared first on News365.co.za.