South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing standoff between police and illegal miners at an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, in the country’s northwest. In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa acknowledged the precarious nature of the situation, which could escalate, but emphasized the importance of police respecting the miners’ rights and avoiding unnecessary harm.
The exact number of miners still trapped underground remains unclear, with reports suggesting that hundreds, if not thousands, may still be holed up in the mine shaft. In recent weeks, over a thousand miners have surfaced and been arrested, but many more are believed to be deep inside the mine.
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Ramaphosa has described the mine as a “crime scene” and defended the police actions, including cutting off food and water supplies in an attempt to force the miners to surrender. “It is standard police practice everywhere to secure a crime scene and block off escape routes to prevent criminals from evading arrest,” he explained.
However, following a court ruling over the weekend, the authorities lifted the restrictions, allowing food and water to be sent down the mine shaft to ensure the miners’ survival as they are encouraged to come out.
The president condemned the illegal mining activities, which he said pose significant risks to South Africa’s economy, communities, and public safety. He also highlighted the broader problem of illegal mining, which has flourished through both small-scale operations and organized criminal syndicates, costing the country billions in lost revenue.
To address the issue, Ramaphosa revealed that the government is working with mining companies to ensure that non-operational mines are properly closed or rehabilitated to prevent further illegal activity.
BY: MOSES DESIRE KOUYO
