Plans to retrieve hundreds of illegal miners in Stilfontein hit another snag

STILFONTEIN - Plans to retrieve hundreds of illegal miners from an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, in the North West, have hit another snag as rescuers warn government about security threats and hazardous gases underground.

Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu returned to Stilfontein on Friday to get the latest on the impasse between law enforcement and illegal miners in the area.

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He met with mining experts, provincial officials, local authorities, and community leaders.

Two weeks after his first visit, the plan presented to Mchunu raised more questions than answers about what’s next for the zama zamas.

The task team appointed by Mchunu was expected to roll out its rescue plan within a week of the first site inspection at shaft 11 at the old Buffelsfontein gold mine.

In a confidential report given to Mchunu, he said the rescuers raised concerns about armed illegal miners and high levels of toxic gases.

Despite the warnings, Mchunu said there’s no turning back now.

"We’re going to agree with them which day next week they are going to start because they are saying they are ready."

In addition to sending down a cage to bring illegal miners back to the surface, Mchunu said Harmony Gold’s Margaret Shaft would remain open for zama zamas to use as an alternative exit and community members could be given the go-ahead again to use a rope and pulley system to help illegal miners up.