26 illegal miners resurface from the Stilfontein mine

Police in the North West said a total of 26 illegal miners have resurfaced from an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, near Klerksdorp.They were immediately arrested for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. “Of the 26 illegal miners, four resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and 22 at Buffelsfontein shaft no 10.They comprise of nine from Lesotho, four Zimbabweans, nine from Mozambique and four South Africans. In addition to the stipulated charges, one of the suspects will be charged for possession of gold bearing material and one suspect was found in possession of explosives,” said provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh.Myburgh said all the suspects are still being processed and are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 27 December 2024. The resurfacing come a day after the illegal miners sent another letter to the authorities highlighting that they’re in a desperate situation and have resorted to eating human flesh to survive. The letter also stated that they’ve run out food, about the deteriorating condition of sick people and in need of urgent medication.