By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
National Police commissioner Fannie Masemola says several people may be trapped underground in Bapong Village in the North West where illegal mining is rife.
Fullview learnt that five illegal miners have been trapped underground, and their rescue delayed for safety reasons. It remains unclear when the search will resume.
Masemola led a delegation to Bapong following growing concerns over illegal mining activities in the area.
The visit comes after community members raised alarm about water filled pits near their homes, left behind by illegal miners. Residents said they live in fear as large holes have formed close to shacks and houses, creating safety risks for families.
Fourteen people have been arrested and machinery including trucks and vehicles have been seized.
Masemola said, “As part of our immediate intervention we have taken a decision that we are enhancing and heightening crime combating operations to deal with illegal mining activities in this area. We are deploying more police officers on the ground including various directorate of the police.”
Illegal mining has flourished in South Africa in recent decades as many industrial mines have been exhausted.
Analysts estimate there are about 30,000 illegal miners producing 10% of South Africa’s gold output in 6,000 abandoned mineshafts, often controlled by violent criminal syndicates.
In late 2023, police launched Operation Vala Umgodi (plug the hole) to crack down on the sector across South Africa’s north-eastern mining belt.
Masemola said, illegal mining often involves undocumented and armed criminals, making operations complex and dangerous. The commissioner added that Operation Vala Umgodi has led to more than 30 000 arrests nationwide, with more than 4 000 illegal firearms seized, along with explosives and mining equipment.