FILE – People watch as Senzo Mchunu, South African police minister (not pictured), inspects outside the mineshaft where it is estimated that illegal miners are believed to be hiding underground, in Stilfontein, Nov. 15, 2024.
JOHANNESBURG —
South Africa\’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday lives should not be put at risk in a standoff between police and hundreds of illegal miners stuck underground in a disused mine shaft and the miners should be recovered safely.
The police have blocked miners\’ supplies of food and water to force them out and arrest them for illegally entering the abandoned mine in North West province in search of leftover gold — an issue that has plagued South Africa for decades.
More than 1,000 illegal miners have resurfaced in recent weeks but police said last week that hundreds could still be underground. Local residents and human rights groups have criticized authorities for blocking their supplies.
In a weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the situation was precarious and could potentially turn volatile.
“The Stilfontein mine is a crime scene where the offense of illegal mining is being committed. It is standard police practice everywhere to secure a crime scene and to block off escape routes that enable criminals to evade arrest,” he said.
Ramaphosa urged the police to respect the miners\’ rights and not put their lives at risk and said his government would work with the mining industry on the issue of illegal mining.
“The police will carry out their duties and responsibilities to bring the illegal miners to the surface safely,” he said.
Illegal mining has thrived in South Africa through small-time pilfering and organized criminal networks, costing the economy billions of rands in lost income and royalties.
It was unclear if those still in the mine were unwilling or unable to get out. Public broadcaster SABC said that volunteers had brought 12 miners to the surface since last Wednesday.
By：VOA
Related posts:
Hundreds of South African illegal miners, police continue standoff 
South Africa's government won't help illegal miners inside closed mine 
Sri Lanka votes for new parliament as economic recovery hangs in balance Ukrainian front-line school system goes underground to protect against bombs, radiation India’s capital chokes as air pollution levels hit 50 times the safe limit Nigeria leads on IFF recovery but Africa is still losing $89b a year UNMISS calls for tangible evidence of progress towarddemocratic elections in South Sudan NHS coronavirus app: Is it safe, will it actually work on my phone and will it ruin my battery? All your concerns answered China's underground raves include street techno, quotes from Chairman Mao Chinese online retailer Temu faces EU probe into rogue traders, illegal goods Chinese social media reels over woman’s illegal surrogacy case South Korea steps up commitment to South China Sea, with limits