The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has intervened in a dire situation at a Stilfontein mine where hundreds of illegal miners find themselves trapped, primarily due to a conflict between their fear of arrest and the need for assistance. The court’s order enables emergency services to safely assist miners who are currently without food and water. This decision follows alarming reports indicating that several individuals may have already succumbed to the perilous conditions within the mine.
This week, a tense standoff has unfolded, with reports of miners refusing to surface amidst fears of police action. The order from the Gauteng High Court makes clear that all miners trapped below ground must now be permitted to exit the mine for assistance, regardless of the legal ramifications they may face. Tragically, authorities have confirmed that at least one body has been recovered, while two others were urgently taken to hospital on Saturday.
Authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have made provisions to deliver essential supplies. Volunteers have been allowed to bring food and water underground in a bid to sustain those who remain hidden. But even with the court’s directive, police confirmed that the act of resurfacing will not shield the miners from arrest.
“Static deployment operations continue at all abandoned and disused mining shafts in the Stilfontein area, where a call is once again made to all illegal miners to resurface,” stated Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. She emphasised that the court ruling does not hinder SAPS from fulfilling its constitutional duties. “All those who resurface will continue to be assessed by emergency medical personnel on site, as has been the case,” she added.
The police spokesperson made it clear that individuals in good health would be detained, while those requiring further medical attention would be transported to hospitals under police supervision. As of 4 p.m. on Saturday, three miners had already emerged from the depths, indicating a small but hopeful step towards ensuring the well-being of many still trapped.
The Gauteng High Court’s decision has raised critical questions about the fate of illegal miners trapped underground. As the local authorities prepare to act, the nation grapples with the implications of safety, legality, and humanity in the call for rescue.