South African Police Evict Over 500 Illegal Miners from Abandoned Shafts

In a significant operation, South African police have forcibly removed and arrested 540 illegal miners from an abandoned mine shaft in Orkney, amid rising concerns about safety and legality in the mining industry. The controversial tactics employed by security forces have sparked debate about the future of illegal mining in the region.

In an extensive crackdown on illegal mining activities, South African police have successfully evacuated 540 individuals from an abandoned mine shaft in Orkney, following a series of strategic interventions aimed at ending their occupation. The operation, which began earlier this week, involved the police blocking deliveries of essential supplies such as food and water to the miners, a tactic that authorities claim pushed them to resurface due to "starvation and dehydration."

Initially reported to have surfaced on Saturday, officials had tracked about 225 miners emerging from the depths of the shaft, only to find that "hundreds if not a thousand" were still believed to be underground. The situation escalated by Sunday, when reports confirmed that an additional 340 miners had come out and were taken into police custody.

The illegal miners, colloquially known as "zama zamas," which translates to "those who try their luck" in Zulu, operate amidst serious risks, both physically and legally. National Police Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya emphasized the seriousness of the crackdown, highlighting that since December 2023, police have arrested over 13,690 suspects involved in illegal mining across seven provinces. The recent operation has also resulted in the seizure of substantial amounts of cash and valuable uncut diamonds, valued at approximately R32 million ($1.8 million).

The drastic measures taken by law enforcement have ignited discussions about the broader implications of illegal mining in South Africa, particularly considering the precarious conditions under which these miners operate. Critics argue that such forceful evictions may not address the underlying issues driving individuals to engage in illegal mining, including poverty and lack of legitimate employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, the national police force continues to reinforce their commitment to restoring order, with the national police chief urging ground forces to maintain their pressure against illegal operations. As the government grapples with the pervasive issue of illegal mining, the situation presents a dual challenge of ensuring safety while also addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to the miners' risks and choices.