More than 50 illegal miners have resurfaced in Stilfontein, with some claiming they were held against their will underground by heavily armed men. Since Friday, these miners, including a 14-year-old Mozambican national, have emerged, alleging that they were coerced and deceived into working in the dangerous conditions.
The miners, most of whom are believed to have been forced into the illegal operation, have shared harrowing accounts of their treatment while underground. Police are investigating the situation, but authorities are emphasizing that no officers will be sent underground to confront the illegal miners, following a recent ruling by the Pretoria High Court.
The court dismissed an application by the Society for the Protection of our Constitution, which had called for greater intervention in addressing the growing illegal mining issue in the region.
Authorities have condemned the illegal mining operations, which have become a serious concern in Stilfontein, both for the safety of the miners and the surrounding community. The situation has highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime and exploitation within the sector.