Massive Crackdown on Illegal Mining Operations Continues in Stilfontein

Authorities have intensified operations to root out illegal mining in Stilfontein, with the latest statistics painting a grim but determined picture of the ongoing battle against the illicit industry.

On the second day of extraction operations, a total of 106 illegal miners were retrieved alive from underground and subsequently arrested for illegal mining activities. Tragically, 51 individuals were certified dead during the operations.

The breakdown of those arrested by nationality is as follows:

Mozambicans: 67

Lesotho nationals: 26

Zimbabweans: 11

South Africans: 2

The operations are set to resume on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, as law enforcement agencies ramp up efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates.

Operation Statistics Since August 2024
Since the launch of the crackdown in August 2024 up to Sunday, 12 January 2025, significant progress has been made in curbing illegal mining activities:

Arrests and Confiscations:
Over 1,576 illegal miners have been arrested prior to the current extraction operation. Arrested individuals include:

997 Mozambicans

427 Zimbabweans

118 Basotho nationals from Lesotho

21 South Africans

1 Malawian

1 Congolese

Detentions and Deportations:

1,540 illegal miners remain in police custody.

121 individuals have been deported, including 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans, and one Malawian.

Convictions:
Forty-six individuals have been convicted for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravening the Immigration Act. The courts imposed a sentence of R12,000 or six months wholly suspended imprisonment for five years, contingent on no repeat offenses.

Seized Materials
Authorities have confiscated significant materials since operations commenced in Stilfontein in December 2023. This includes:

Over 640 kilograms of gold-bearing material

6.2 kilograms of refined gold

Explosives

Firearms

Cash amounting to R52.49 million

Law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue their efforts to bring illegal mining operations to a halt, ensuring the safety of communities and protecting South Africa’s natural resources.

The public is urged to report any suspicious activities linked to illegal mining to their nearest police station.