Police said some of the illegal miners fled back into the mine shafts when they noticed police on Sunday night. File picture: Dumisani Sibeko
A 14-YEAR-old boy was among the group of 14 illegal miners who were detained by police after they emerged from the disused mines at Stilfontein in North West, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Monday.
The illegal miners, colloquially known as zama zamas, have been holed up underground for months following the arrival of police as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the 14 illegal miners who emerged on Sunday night are all Mozambicans.
“A total of 14 illegal miners resurfaced last night (Sunday). They are all Mozambicans and are all in police cells. Operations continue. Among them is a 14-year-old boy,” said Mathe.
“They have confirmed what police have always been saying, that firstly, there is no one trapped, and that there are 10 heavily armed Basotho nationals (people from Lesotho) who are guarding them and making them dig for gold.”
Mathe said the illegal miners have told police that they were not allowed to eat and drink water that was sent down the mine shaft.
“They claim the food and water that was taken down was all confiscated by these Basotho guards and none of them were allowed to eat or drink. They are instead forced to work for the food and water,” she said.
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