In a court hearing at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, the Mining Affected Communities United in Action urged for permission for local communities to supply food, water, and medication to illegal miners currently operating underground. The situation has escalated in Stilfontein, near Klerksdorp, where a recent oversight visit by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola revealed troubling conditions at abandoned mine shafts.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) firmly opposed this application, citing crucial concerns that any ongoing supply of resources would undermine the objectives of Operation Vala Umgodi, a policing initiative aimed at curtailing illegal mining activities and promoting safety in affected areas. “The continuous supply [of necessities] defeats the purpose of Operations Vala Umgodi and will encourage the continuation of their illegal activities underground,” Masemola stated during the briefing.
His comments come as hundreds of food items including instant porridge, Mageu, bottled water, Morvite and medication have been lowered to the illegal miners who remain underground in Stilfontein
Other items included paraffin and batteries.
“As of today (Thursday), limitations have been put into place in terms of this order.
“Food and water will now be supplied from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.
“No food will be lowered on weekends.
“Hazardous substances including paraffin, gas, and diesel will no longer be allowed to be lowered down to the illegal miners,” explained Masemola.
The Commissioner said the Pretoria High Court on Thursday heard an application brought by the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) as it sought to compel the police to allow communities to supply food, water and medication to illegal miners.
He said the police raised concerns about the implementation of an interim order made on Sunday, which compelled authorities to allow for the distribution of food supplies to the illegal miners.
“While the matter was postponed, the court varied the interim court order which was issued on Sunday, 01 December 2024.
This court order did not provide limitations to the supply of food and necessities,” explained Masemola.
The Commissioner highlighted those unlike operations at the Sabie mine in Mpumalanga, the Stilfontein rescue operation is not as easy as it seems, and it is quite complex with the depth of the shaft playing a major role in how this operation is carried out.
This as the Sabie shaft is 150 metres deep, while the Stilfontein shaft is 2 kilometres deep where the illegal miners are holed up.
“At this stage, the mine must acquire services to conduct the rescue operation in which costs are involved.
“We are in possession of a quotation that indicates that there must also be a 100% upfront payment.
“It should be agreed upon that the Government must approach this process with due diligence and the utmost care taking into consideration the applicable supply chain management processes involved,” said Masemola.
