Zama Zamas face pressure to resurface amid police operation

Stilfontein – “The Operation Vala Umgodi task team in North West continues to call upon those illegal miners, who are still underground in the Stilfontein area, to return to the surface,” said brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone. 

The SAPS and SANDF have allowed for the delivery of water and food to those underground to ensure they can safely resurface. Police and other safety officials will remain on-site until all illegal miners resurface and are apprehended.

The SAPS urges these illegal miners to come to the surface so they can receive necessary assistance, including medical attention if needed. The community is asked to allow the police the space required to perform their duties, as the SAPS is committed to preventing criminality from thriving.

To date, more than 1,000 individuals have come to the surface from illegal mining activities as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, and efforts continue to ensure the safe resurfacing of those who remain underground.

Main photo: A concealed entryway into an abandoned mine shaft, used by zama zamas to access the vast underground network.