225 Illegal Miners Arrested After Abandoning Mine Shaft in South Africa Due to Starvation, Thirst

South African law enforcement authorities reported the arrest of 225 individuals involved in illegal mining on Sunday. 

The arrests came after the miners, who had been operating within an abandoned mine shaft, were compelled to exit due to a severe shortage of food and water, highlighting the ongoing risks and desperate circumstances surrounding illegal mining operations in the country.

The arrests were carried out near Johannesburg, where the practice of illegal mining, often referred to as "zama zama" (a Zulu term meaning "to try" or "take a chance"), has been a persistent issue in recent years. Illegal mining activities in South Africa have been associated with a range of social and economic challenges, from dangerous working conditions to the exacerbation of crime and exploitation.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the miners had been trapped underground for an extended period, unable to replenish basic supplies, ultimately forcing them to surrender. Authorities were quick to respond, apprehending the miners as they emerged from the abandoned shaft. “These arrests mark a significant step in addressing illegal mining, which endangers lives and impacts the local economy,” said a SAPS spokesperson.

Illegal miners, often including both local residents and foreign nationals, endure extreme conditions while operating in abandoned mines across South Africa, facing constant hazards such as structural collapses, toxic gas exposure, and now evident supply shortages. The recent incident underscores the need for more robust measures to tackle the root causes of illegal mining, including unemployment, poverty, and lax enforcement in mining areas.

South African officials have called for increased collaboration between law enforcement, mining companies, and local communities to deter illegal mining and prevent further incidents. Efforts are being made to seal off abandoned shafts and rehabilitate former mining sites to prevent unauthorized access, though challenges remain due to the high demand for precious metals on the black market.

The arrests signal a renewed commitment by the government to curb illegal mining activities, but experts warn that without systemic social and economic reforms, these operations may persist.