Government Stance and Policy
The , under the directive of Cabinet Minister , has declared it will not provide assistance to approximately 4,000 illegal miners trapped in a closed mine, labeling their activities as criminal.
This stance is part of a broader strategy against illegal mining, with police operations like Vala Umgodi (Close the Hole) aiming to force miners to the surface by cutting off essential supplies.
Impact and Community Concerns
Reports indicate that miners have been suffering from a lack of food, water, and other necessities, leading to weak, hungry, and sickly conditions for many who have surfaced.
Illegal mining has not only posed dangers to the miners themselves but has also led to tensions with nearby communities due to crimes and conflicts, with authorities highlighting issues such as robberies, rape, and fatal confrontations among armed groups.