On December 28, 2024, eleven more illegal miners resurfaced from the depths of the troublesome Stilfontein mine located in North West Province, marking the latest chapter in dire circumstances surrounding these workers.
Colonel Adele Myburgh, a spokesperson for the local police, confirmed the resurfacing, stating, "Eleven resurfaced this morning…" Their apprehension forms part of broader concerns surrounding the illegal mining operations popularly known as zama zamas.
The resurfacing miners brought the week's total to 47, with arrivals peaking on days like Christmas with twelve miners rushing to the surface. Most recent rescues included miners appearing at Buffelsfontein Shaft no. 10, which has become notorious within the community for being the epicenter of illegal mining activities.
Beyond the surface of these arrests lies the harrowing reality of starvation and allegations of cannibalism among those trapped underground. Handwritten notes relayed from below have painted chilling images of the miners' plight. One letter poignantly stated, "We are perishing slowly, it is difficult here underground. People are dying because of starvation. Hunger is the only thing we see..." The letters serve as desperate pleas for assistance from those facing dire conditions.
The situation has grown increasingly sobering as relief efforts dwindle. The Gauteng High Court had previously provided permission for emergency aid, but the non-profit organization providing aid has reported severe shortages. Sabelo Mnguni, the national administrator of concerned NGO Mining Communities United in Action (Macua), indicated funding challenges, stating, "We can only pull three miners out at a time. If we do this every day it will take over 12 months to rescue them all." Mnguni emphasized the urgent need for at least 20 miners to be rescued each day for the operation to be viable.
Starvation has led to allegations of cannibalism among the miners. A letter from shaft 11 highlighted this grim reality, claiming, "...we are also eating [the] human flesh of those who are falling because of starvation..." While some community leaders have confirmed the letters' authenticity—adding credibility to the alarming reports—a police spokesperson clarified they have yet to find physical evidence supporting the claims of cannibalism. Colonel Myburgh commented, "This allegation cannot be confirmed or denied at this stage... no physical proof to back it up."
Community leader Johannes Qankase voiced the severity of the situation, admitting, "Yes, we did receive such letters... the situation underground is very dire. There is little doubt; many have reported extreme starvation. Whatever means of communication we have is through these letters. And the police have seen them."
The legal system has also played its part in the plight of the miners. Two earlier applications aimed at expediting aid efforts were denied, with the latest one dismissed on December 20, exacerbated by rising desperation among miners seeking food and medical assistance. Qankase highlighted community support efforts, stating, "More than 30 illegal miners and nine bodies have been retrieved as [volunteers] continue their operations." Despite these efforts, many remain compromised underground, guarded by fear and uncertainty.
The South African Police Service has not shown lenience through their initiative called Operation Vala Umgodi, which aims to combat illegal mining. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the National Police spokesperson, was resolute, declaring, "There is no illegal miner trapped underground and they simply refuse to resurface because they are avoiding arrest.” With about 1,500 illegal miners arrested since this recent crackdown, their assertion remains firm against the rising tide of community claims and pleas for aid.
Rescue operations continue within the area; both the police and community volunteers demonstrate conflicting impulses and actions. While authorities maintain there is no evidence of miners trapped without means to escape, letters continue to emerge, portraying the miners as living within their own hell. Their reality teeters on the edge of life and death.
What follows now is uncertain, with hope being the only light cutting through the pervasive darkness surrounding Stilfontein mine. Only time will reveal if help will arrive quickly enough to prevent any more lives from being lost to the depths of despair.
