The South African Police Service (SAPS) has revised its estimate of the number of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West.
Initially, a local community member had reported that around 4,000 to 4,500 miners were underground, but SAPS now estimates that between 350 and 400 miners are refusing to resurface.
The situation remains tense, with reports suggesting that several miners may have died, though only one body has been retrieved so far.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone had initially told SABC News on Tuesday that the estimates from the community could not be confirmed.
However, on Thursday, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told Newzroom Afrika that the earlier figure of 4,000 to 4,500 miners was “exaggerated.” <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/400-illegal-miners-refuse-resurface-stilfontein/">Said Mathe</a>:
<blockquote>
In terms of the numbers, we do feel that the numbers are being exaggerated. We have pulled all resources and mobilised all resources to work on this particular case.
Police have been collecting information. We have our intelligence operatives on the ground that are working closely with key stakeholders.
Police have managed to estimate the numbers to be between 350 and 400. We don’t dispute that there are hundreds of illegal miners that are underground and refuse to resurface.
We’re only disputing the exaggeration of the thousands that are still stuck underground.
</blockquote>
Despite repeated efforts by police to convince the illegal miners to resurface, Brigadier Mathe confirmed that their pleas have been ignored. Said Mathe:
<blockquote>
We have been making the call to the miners to resurface and as a responsible government. We have gone to great lengths to try and communicate to ensure that all these illegal miners resurface safely.
We have gone as far as writing posters and sending them down to the shafts. Police sent a negotiator as well and allowed food and water to be delivered down to these illegal miners to allow them to gain strength so that they will be able to come out. But those efforts fell on deaf ears.
Police are now in a situation where these illegal miners refuse to resurface and cooperate with the SAPS. We have no choice but to stamp the authority of the state.
We are not backing down as law enforcement, we have the responsibility to combat and prevent all incidences of criminality and illegal mining is one of them.
</blockquote>
Two weeks ago, at least 500 illegal miners emerged from abandoned mines in Orkney, North West Province, after succumbing to starvation and dehydration as Operation Vala Umgodi task teams monitored the area.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Hundreds of illegal miners are stuck in a mine in South Africa, but they are refusing to come out even though the police are asking them to. The police initially thought there were thousands of miners stuck, but now they believe there are only about 350 to 400. The police have been trying to help the miners with food and water, but the miners are not listening. The police are trying to get the miners to come out safely, but they might have to use force if they don't cooperate.

Illegal Miners In South African Mine Not Trapped, But "Refusing" To Resurface - Police

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed his support for Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who recently insisted that the government would not attempt to rescue the illegal miners trapped underground—reportedly numbering in the thousands.
The statement has sparked intense debate across the country, after Ntshavheni labeled the stranded miners as “criminals” and declared that the government would “smoke them out.”
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said that the government would not put the lives of police officers and military personnel at risk by sending them down the shafts to rescue what she referred to as “criminals.”She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted [sic].
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them, they must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
Commenting on X, McKenzie expressed his support for Ntshavheni, adding that there should indeed be “lots of smoke.” He wrote on X in response to a clip of Ntshavheni’s remarks:
<blockquote>
Thank you Minister (Ntshavheni), let there be smoke, lots of smoke… Why don’t we get them some pizza with extra cheese toppings and a few bottles of wine whilst they making they mind up if they want to resurface ? Guns &amp; grenades are being hidden down there, these guys are buying time, no one is trapped, they are simply refusing to come up &amp; out.
</blockquote>
Another South African, Lindo Mnisi, concurred with McKenzie, saying criminality should never be tolerated. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The South African government must deal decisively with these criminals. Anybody who stands firm against illegal foreigners and criminals, will be supported and protected by all of us. Thank you Minister Ntshavheni for the decisive stance. We must stop tiptoeing around illegalities. Smoke them out!
</blockquote>
On the other hand, Helen Zille, federal chair of the Democratic Alliance, has called for a more empathetic approach to the issue of trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.
Commenting on X in response to a post by Newzroom Afrika, Zille said that the situation should be handled with compassion, as it directly impacts people’s lives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gayton McKenzie supports Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's tough stance on illegal miners trapped underground. Ntshavheni called the miners "criminals" and said the government will not rescue them. McKenzie agrees and says there should be lots of smoke to force the miners out. Lindo Mnisi also supports this stance. However, Helen Zille believes a more empathetic approach is needed for the trapped miners. This has caused a big debate in South Africa. Some say criminals should not be helped and should be persecuted, while others believe compassion should be shown.

Gayton McKenzie Backs Ntshavheni’s Tough Stance On Illegal Miners, Says "Let There Be Lots Of Smoke"

Helen Zille, Federal Chair of South Africa’s second-largest political party, the Democratic Alliance, has called for empathy in handling the issue of trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.
Thousands of illegal miners are reportedly trapped in disused mines in Stilfontein, sparking a national debate.
At a post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that the government would not attempt to rescue the trapped miners, instead opting to “smoke them out.” She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted [sic].
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them, they must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
The government’s refusal to help the miners has led to widespread debate across South Africa, with varying opinions on the best course of action.
Commenting on X in response to a Newzroom Afrika post, Zille said that the situation should be handled with empathy, as it directly impacts people’s lives. She said:
<blockquote>
Come on. The minister is talking about human beings here. People facing a perilous life-threatening calamity must be rescued.
Arrest and prosecute them for breaking the law. But don’t leave them to perish in horrific circumstances. What happened to Ubuntu?
</blockquote>
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have descended on the area and sealed off the routes through which community members supply food and water to the illegal miners underground, enabling their ongoing and indefinite illegal mining activities.
A community member who volunteered to go underground this week reported back that some of the trapped miners have died, while others are critically ill.
The community representative estimated that around 4,500 miners remain underground, too afraid to resurface due to the risk of arrest.
Meanwhile, AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa told Newzroom Afrika that miners, including those employed by formal mining companies, face daily dangers. He said:
<blockquote>
Workers are being killed every day, even in the regulated mines, therefore, there is no law. You can’t blame people who go and seek for livelihood because of this government that is so incompetent.
They called [striking mineworkers at Marikana in August 2012] criminals. I do not know now how they can be able to distinguish between criminals and workers.
Thirty-four mineworkers were killed, fighting for economic emancipation by the very same government.
Today they have the guts to say let’s smoke them out, those criminals. The same government has made this environment very fertile for illegal mining.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Helen Zille wants to help trapped illegal miners in South Africa. The government doesn't want to rescue them, calling them criminals. There is a debate on how to help the miners. Some people think they should be saved, others think they should be arrested. Many miners are trapped underground and some have died. The government is sealing off routes that supply food and water to the miners. The president of a mining union says even legal miners face dangers. People are questioning the government's response to the situation.

"What Happened To Ubuntu?": Helen Zille Calls For Humane Approach To Trapped Illegal Miners

South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, on Wednesday, said that the government will not attempt to rescue illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. Instead, she said authorities would take measures to “smoke them out.”
During a post-Cabinet media briefing, Ntshavheni said the government would not assist “criminals”. She said:
<blockquote>
We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We are not sending help to criminals. Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted.
We didn’t send them there, and they didn’t go down there for the good benefit or for the good intentions for the Republic. So, we can’t help them.
Those who want to help them must go and take the food down there. They will come out, we will arrest them.
</blockquote>
The minister’s comments have sparked a storm of reactions. Some people support her strong stance, while others criticise her, saying her words show a lack of empathy for the families who are desperate for help in finding their miners.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Phillip Mankge, acting deputy general secretary of NUM, called the minister’s remarks “inhumane” and “irresponsible.” He said:
<blockquote>
As NUM we would like to categorically clear that we do not support the statement. In fact it is inhumane and irresponsible of the minister to utter such words when the people are trapped underground.
What is wrong with African people when they want to go back to their primitive mining stage, to say they want to mine themselves because we have an abundance of gold, chrome and all sorts of minerals in South Africa?
</blockquote>
Around 4,000 illegal miners are still trapped underground in an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West, with reports suggesting that some may have already died.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, a police spokesperson from North West, told SABC News that the police are working with local community members to help bring the miners to safety.
However, he also said that once the miners are brought to the surface, they will be arrested.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The South African government will not rescue illegal miners trapped underground, but will try to get them out by smoking them out. The government sees the miners as criminals and will not help them. Some people support this tough stance, while others say it lacks empathy for the families of the miners. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) criticizes the minister's remarks as inhumane and irresponsible. Around 4,000 miners are trapped, and some may have already died. The police are working to bring them to safety, but they will be arrested once they are rescued.

South African Government Vows To "Smoke Out" Trapped Illegal Miners

The mining industry recorded an increase in mining accidents during the period January to July 2023, compared to the same period last year.
According to the latest State of Mining Industry Survey Report for 2024 released by the Chamber of Mines last week, the mining industry reported 110 fatal accidents during the period January to July 2023, compared to 106 fatal accidents during the same period last year.
The 110 accidents resulted in 120 fatalities and 92 percent of the accidents reported during the period under review occurred underground, with large-scale operations contributing 18 percent to the total accidents. Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>
Of the 20 accidents reported for large-scale mines, 80 percent were in underground operations. Illegal mining operations contributed 22 percent to the total number of accidents. The small-scale mining industry contributed 60 percent to the total number of fatal accidents.
</blockquote>
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/mining-fatalities-soar-illegal-mining-blamed-for-workplace-accidents/">Chronicle</a>, Chamber of Mines president, Thomas Gono, said that there is a need to educate miners on safe mining methods. He said:
<blockquote>
We are in the process of segmenting the country into different mining districts and identifying large and small-scale miners.
On a quarterly basis, we are going to have stakeholder meetings to discuss safe mining practices to indicate to miners that sustainable mining is more beneficial than haphazard mining.
We are of the view that the awareness programmes will reduce mining accidents.
Most accidents happen because of unsafe methods of mining, therefore, we need to also consult the Government.
</blockquote>
Young Miners Foundation chief executive officer, Payne Kupfuwa, said they are concerned over deaths and injuries that occur in disused mines. He said:
<blockquote>
As an organisation, we have come up with deliberate programmes where we are encouraging people to formalise by grouping themselves into syndicates of six to secure mining rights in different provinces and areas.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines said that most mining companies have adopted zero-harm initiatives, such as occupational safety and health accidents promotion and environmental protection in order to reduce fatal accidents and other negative impacts of mining on society.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

120 Miners Killed From January To July 2023

Two bodies of illegal miners who were buried underground after their mine shaft caved in for over a week were retrieved on Friday.
Rescue teams had spent over a week searching for the bodies without success.
Last week, Chief Mutasa, traditional healers and villagers conducted rituals at the mine site in Mutare River in Penhalonga seeking spiritual guidance for rescue teams to no avail.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province Nobert Muzondo confirmed the latest development to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200015871/bodies-retrieved-from-mine-shaft">The Standard</a> on Saturday. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s true that the two bodies have been found in a decomposed state.
</blockquote>
Penhalonga Youth Development Trust director Clinton Masanga, who was on the ground, said “Something must be done to stop these deaths”.
Centre for Research and Development director James Mupfumi, said:
<blockquote>
There is a need for investigation into beneficial shareholding of exclusive prospecting orders and special grants.
</blockquote>
The mine is reportedly owned by Simba Dumbura, who is believed to be politically connected.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bodies Of Illegal Miners Retrieved From Mine Shaft

The Mberengwa-Zvishavane Miners Association has urged the Government to introduce mining as a subject in primary and secondary schools.
Speaking during the 2023 Great Dyke Career Fair held at Gresham Primary School in Zvishavane recently, the miners’ association chairperson Themba Sibanda, said:
<blockquote>
l have been challenged by the school which has introduced hunting as a subject, why can’t mining be introduced as a subject so that those in trenches get the necessary knowledge at an early stage?
</blockquote>
Sibanda argued that many youths are venturing into gold mining and there is a need for learners to be exposed to the mining industry as a career option.
He also said that teaching mining as a subject in schools will help in curbing mine deaths and encourage environment-friendly mining methods.
The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira was the guest of honour at the event.
Errymaple group of schools recently introduced hunting as a subject, reported The Mirror.
Zimbabwe is endowed with vast mineral resources that include platinum group metals (PGM), chrome, gold, coal, diamonds, and lithium.

Miners Urge Govt To Introduce Mining As A Subject In Schools

Ex-Wenela workers will start receiving payments ranging from R10 000 to R50 000 per individual in compensation early next year.
This was said by a Tshiamiso Trust delegation that was sent to Zimbabwe last week.
Tshiamiso Trust was set up after ex-Wenela workers won a class-action lawsuit in the South African High Court in July 2019 to handle the compensation process.
Tshiamiso Trust chief operating officer Tina da Cruz told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/ex-wenela-payments-set-for-early-next-year">The Sunday Mail</a> that each beneficiary will be paid depending on the level at which he or she had suffered from respiratory diseases. Said, Cruz:
<blockquote>
We are delighted to be here for a positive engagement with the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders.
We managed to develop a roadmap that we look forward to implementing. We are expecting that shortly, within the early next calendar year, it will be fully operationalised and will be receiving applications and processing the claims of deserving claimants.
</blockquote>
The Trust said that it is considering workers who were employed by African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold and Sibanye-Stillwater.
The compensation is applicable to employees who carried out risky work at the mines between March 12, 1965 and December 10, 2019, and were diagnosed with silicosis before December 2021.
Workers who contracted tuberculosis while working at the mines, or within a year of leaving the mines are also entitled to receive compensation.
Tshiamiso Trust has paid over R930 million to more than 10 000 claims from ex-workers.
Zimbabwe’s Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Permanent Secretary Simon Masanga said:
<blockquote>
We have a database of at least 4 000 ex-Wenela mine workers who will be subject to vetting before receiving compensation.
The Government is going to set up an online registration platform, which will enable all ex-Wenela workers to register.
As Government, we are now appealing to all these ex-workers wherever they are to start compiling all the necessary documents to prove that they worked for these companies.
Affidavits are not considered as evidence in this process. Contractual documents, if they are present, will be crucial.
A mobile clinic will be available to carry out tests that will ascertain who will be benefiting.
</blockquote>
Ex-Wenela Miners Association of Zimbabwe national spokesperson Newman Machinga said:
<blockquote>
As an association, we are pleased with the development. We hope everyone who is entitled to the payments is going to benefit. We have been pushing for a long time to achieve this.
</blockquote>
Ex-Wenela Miners Association of Zimbabwe chairman Rodgers Munakamwe said:
<blockquote>
We have spent the last 42 years trying to track down unpaid pension dues deducted from their wages without their knowledge and consent.
Painful memories of labour injustices perpetrated against them are still fresh in their minds and a majority of the ex-miners contracted chronic diseases in the South African mines.
It’s sad that 25 percent of the ex-miners lost their lives due to a lack of money to seek medical attention.
</blockquote>

"Payments For Ex-Wenela Workers Set For Early 2023"

Youths who are involved in small-scale mining have appealed to authorities to reduce the mining levies required for one to operate in order to allow growth and development in the sector.
In June 2021, the government, through Statutory Instrument 185 of 2021, announced new mining fees which are considered exorbitant by small-scale miners.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/small-scale-miners-cry-foul-over-exorbitant-taxes/" rel="nofollow">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) youth secretary for Matabeleland North, Nkululeko Ngwenya said the high fees are negatively affecting the growth of the mining sector. He said:
<blockquote>
Mines inspection fee is US$300, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) wants US$250, then the council also wants US$400. The money needed is too much and affects growth in the sector.
We are asking that the government might consider our pleas and reduce operations fees so that the industry may grow and boom, supporting development in the mining sector.
</blockquote>
Ngwenya said the exorbitant fees have hindered many small-scale miners from formally registering and regularising their illegal operations.

Small-scale Miners Plead For Reduction Of Taxes

According to Section 120 (1) (b) of the Customs and Excise Act Chapter 23:02 as read with Section 113(1) of Statutory Instrument 154 of 2001 (General Regulations) there is a rebate of duty on goods imported by a person engaged in the mining industry.
 The rebate is granted only in respect of the following goods which are imported or taken out of Bond by persons engaged in the Mining Industry;
<ol>
<li>Eucalyptus, pine and other oils for use in the extraction of gold and other minerals by the flotation process;</li>
<li>Chemical substances, other than spirits, methylated spirits, fuel oils, lubricants and nitrate of lead, for use in any process for the concentration or refining of ore, or for assay or research purposes.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>To benefit from this rebate, the client should submit to the nearest ZIMRA office for onward transmission to the Regional office or direct to the Regional office, the documents listed below:</li>
<li>Application Letter</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>Letter of Undertaking to the effect that the articles shall be used solely for the purpose for which the rebate is granted and if they are sold or otherwise disposed of the duty rebated shall be paid forthwith to the Commissioner</li>
<li>Proforma Invoice showing the Full Description and Quantity of the Goods to be imported under the rebate</li>
<li>End User’s Certificate</li>
<li>A letter from the Mining Commission to Confirm the Existence of that Mine.</li>
<li>Current (Valid) Tax Clearance</li>
</ol>
At the time of the clearance of the goods, the importer shall be required to attach the Rebate Letter to the bill of entry form 21. The respective Regional Office shall issue a Rebate Letter specific to the Products listed in the Application and the Proforma Invoice.

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