IN PICS: Community punches the air in support of Stilfontein illegal miners

STILFONTEIN - Community members in Stilfontein in the North West have hit back at government following a failure to send aid to illegal miners at an abandoned shaft. 
 
Hundreds of zama zamas remain underground at one of the shafts at the old Bullesfontein mine in the area. 
 
This is despite efforts by law enforcement to shut down the illegal mining operation. 
 
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is leading a government delegation in Stilfontein to find a resolution to the impasse. 

The South African Police Service and the army have been redeployed to the area as part of ongoing efforts to fight illegal mining.

On Thursday, the body of one illegal miner was recovered by community members.

Last week, more than 1,000 illegal miners emerged from a mine shaft in Orkney, after running out of food and water and they were arrested.

COMMUNITY REACTS TO NTSHAVHENI'S SENTIMENTS

Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni set the cat among the pigeons when she said "We'll smoke them out", adding that the illegal miners are criminals who should be "persecuted".

The demonstrators in the Stilfontein are carrying placards bearing "say no to smoke them out" - among others.

The minister is now locked in a closed-door meeting with law enforcement and other govt officials to find solutions to the problem.