An increasing number of illegal miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas, have emerged from an abandoned shaft in Klerksdorp, North West, following a police operation aimed at cutting off their supply of food.
Almost 600 miners have resurfaced and have been arrested, with many set to appear in court on Monday morning. Police and military personnel are closely monitoring all exit points leading to Orkney and Stilfontein, as they suspect some individuals may have been underground for over a year.
The latest arrests occurred as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, which has intensified efforts to block routes used to deliver essentials, including food, to the miners. Many of those apprehended are believed to be from Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Provincial police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh stated, "We have officials from the Department of Home Affairs assisting us in determining the specific nationalities of these individuals. We process them, take fingerprints, and conduct standard police procedures. Once completed, they will be taken to police cells and then to court."