A joint operation by SAPS and SANDF has led to the arrest of 225 illegal miners at an abandoned mineshaft in Orkney, North West.
The miners were arrested after they resurfaced because of starvation and dehydration.
“These 225 illegal miners are part of others believed to be hundreds if not a thousand illegal miners who are stuck underground with no food, water and necessities because the Vala Umgodi teams led by the SAPS and SANDF are blocking routes used to deliver food and necessities to these illegal miners,” read a police statement.
Earlier this week, law enforcement authorities blocked communities in and around the abandoned mines in Orkney, from delivering food parcels, water and necessities to the illegal miners, and authorities are happy that the operation is yielding positive results.
The acting national Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, has commended the Vala Umgodi task teams in the North West province for stamping the authority of the state.
“We are closely monitoring the situation that is unfolding in the North West province, we are not backing down until all those illegal miners resurface and are arrested.
Since its inception in December 2023 to date, more than 13 691 suspects have been arrested in the seven provinces that are hotspots for illegal mining.
We have seized R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million through Operation Vala Umgodi,” said Sibiya.
He added that most of the miners who have been arrested are inclusive of South Africans, Mozambicans, and Basotho nationals.
Police said the nationalities of miners arrested during the Orkney operation will be revealed as and when more of their colleagues resurface.
