He specifically addressed these concerns during his follow-up visit to the Stilfontein mine in North West.

The Stilfontein mine, which has been at the centre of Operation Vala Umgodi (“close the hole” in isiZulu) remains a critical focal point as thousands of zama zamas operate underground. The operation, launched in November last year, aims to dismantle the illegal mining syndicates driving these activities, targeting everyone from the zama zamas to the kingpins financing their operations.

In recent days, law enforcement sealed off several mine shafts and halted the delivery of food and water supplies to force the zama zamas to surface. The move sparked backlash from some civil society groups, including the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which filed an urgent application in the North Gauteng High Court to allow the miners access to basic necessities.

The court ruled in favour of the government, allowing the operation to proceed. Addressing the media in Stilfontein on Friday (29/11), Mchunu emphasised the importance of public support for law enforcement efforts.

“Don’t hide that there is personal interest and then make us believe that the South African government is inhumane and wants people dead just because you are pursuing an interest you are hiding,” Mchunu said.

Nobody trapped

Since the operation began, over 2,000 zama zamas have surfaced from North West mine shafts. In August 2024, 1,113 zama zamas emerged in a single operation. Law enforcement has confirmed nobody is trapped underground, with reports indicating that zama zamas are being forced to dig for gold by ten heavily armed guards, allegedly Basotho nationals.

Zama zamas who recently surfaced shared harrowing accounts of confiscated supplies and harsh treatment. This week, a group of children as young as 14 emerged from underground, alleging they were coerced into illegal mining operations.

Senzo Mchunu addressing illegal mining issues in Stilfontein. Photo supplied 

Mchunu dismissed allegations of excessive force and human rights violations by police, asserting that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the constitution and the law.

“When the police do their work, including pursuing someone who has committed a crime, they follow the law. If someone is injured, the police’s first responsibility is to ensure medical assistance. However, if you resist and engage in violence, police are trained to respond appropriately.” 

He reiterated the police’s commitment to respecting the right to life, a principle they uphold even in high-pressure situations like those in Stilfontein.

‘Socioeconomic issues do not justify breaking the law’

Mchunu acknowledged the role of poverty and unemployment in pushing some South Africans into illegal mining. He stressed these socioeconomic issues do not justify breaking the law or endangering lives.

He affirmed law enforcement would continue collaborating with the police, military, and other agencies to ensure public safety and dismantle illegal mining networks.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg