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Hundreds of zama zamas still underground, while authorities wait it out

todayNovember 14, 2024 84

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Governance expert, Professor Sam Koma, says no country that would allow criminality and defiance to continue to rear its head without consequences.

Koma’s remarks come amid mixed reactions to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s utterances on illegal miners who have been refusing to come to the surface in Stilfontein, in the North West, fearing arrest.

The miners have reportedly run out of basic necessities and are said to have been surviving on a mixing salt, vinegar and toothpaste to survive.

Speaking at a post cabinet briefing earlier in the week, Ntshavheni said government will not be sending help to ‘criminals’ but will instead smoke them out.

Three of the zama zamas emerged from underground this afternoon, hours after a body of one of their colleagues was retrieved.

This came a day after five others were rescued by community workers on Wednesday evening.

Workers union, Giwusa, says Ntshavheni’s remarks shows a lack of empathy.

The union’s Koketso Phasha says this issue is symptom of a broader economic crisis in the country.

Koma says the prevalence of illegal miners in the country needs to be urgently addressed.

To date, more than 1 000 illegal miners, many believed to be from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, have resurfaced and arrested.

 

 

Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says community members who volunteered to assist the miners have been warned of the potential dangers.

Mathe also refuted claims that there are over 4 000 illegal miners underground, describing it as an exaggeration.

Illegal mining affected communities took to the streets of Tshwane, calling for artisan mining to be regulated and supported.

Police and the army have been camping at these mines with the hope of ‘flushing out’ the illegal miners, who have been underground for months.

Community representative, Themba Botman, says the miners have been living under bad conditions and some are ill and have become weak.

There have been mixed reactions on social media over the unfolding tragedy.

Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris

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