Stilfontein, North West — South African authorities confirmed on Tuesday (January 14, 3024) that scores of illegal miners, known as zama zamas, have surfaced since the government-ordered rescue operation began on Monday “with more than 30 bodies recovered” at the time from the abandoned Stilfontein mine.
The large-scale rescue effort, which follows a High Court ruling on Friday compelling the government to intervene, amounts to R12 million. On Monday alone, 26 miners were rescued and nine bodies retrieved using a specialized R5 million rescue cage designed for the operation. By late Tuesday, the death toll had risen further, with seven additional bodies recovered, marking a grim chapter in what is being described as a humanitarian crisis.
It’s reported that on Monday alone, upon the launch of the operation, nine dead bodies and 26 people were retrieved, with the help of a R5 multi-million worth rescue cage, which has been assembled to rescue the trapped illegal miners trapped.
Late Tuesday, seven more dead bodies were retrieved, bringing the number to 51 dead bodies retrieved so far. Early Tuesday, January 14, the SAPS issued a statement announcing that Police Minister Senzo Mnchunu and his mineral resources counterpart Gwede Mantashe woll be visiting the area on the day to assess operations.
The two ministries, alongside mine owners and a specialised rescue team, are collaborating to refine the rescue strategy and establish safety measures for what is expected to be a protracted effort.
As the controversial government-sanctioned operation Vala Umgodi continues, police also confirmed the arrest of 82 illegal miners, who are facing illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the immigration act charges.
“Two illegal miners who were found in possession of gold have also been charged with being in the illegal possession of gold bearing material,” it added.
.
Police says the operation will continue into the night on Tuesday (Jan. 14).
Criticism mounts over government’s handling of illegal mining crisis
However, the South African government has faced significant criticism by human rights activists for its response to calls for assistance for illegal miners trapped underground, top among them is artisanal mining expert Kgothatso Nhlengetwa.
In her argument, Nhlengetwa points out that “the crisis could have been avoided if the call was heeded from the beginning,” she says in a sit-down with Newzroom Afrika (as seen in the above X post).
She highlighted the plight of the miners, stating: “The exploited illegal miners who came up were telling from the dire situation that’s underground — but they were falling on deaf ears. It’s almost as if it had to come to a crisis place before reaction can take place. Now the question I’m asking is, ‘when are we going to have a proactive approach … instead we have a policy where it’s not only written up, but that is implemented; and not implemented only in 2025 where it was gazetted in 2022,” she said.
Nhlengetwa also emphasised the need for strategic reforms, proposing clear guidelines followed by legislation to support artisanal miners. “Research shows that 80% of illegal niners are willing to cross over into the legal economy if they can do so. This is what I call in my paper, partial normalisation.”
As the crisis unfolds, questions about accountability, the welfare of zama zamas, and the economic desperation that fuels illegal mining continue to dominate discussions.
Ultimately, the crisis underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address the root causes of illegal mining and protect vulnerable lives.
