The police are urging zama zamas, who are still hiding underground to the surface.

The police are urging illegal miners, known as zama zamas, who are still hiding underground in the Stilfontein region of North West, to come back to the surface.

The Gauteng region's Operation Vala Umgodi task force from the South African Police Service (SAPS) has once again urged illegal miners still located underground in the Stilfontein area to come back to the surface.

To protect lives, the SAPS, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has facilitated the delivery of food and water to those underground, ensuring their safe return to the surface.

Authorities will continue their presence in the North West until all illegal miners have exited and been apprehended.

In a statement, the SAPS encouraged those involved in illegal mining to surface in order to receive necessary assistance, including medical care if needed.

“The police request that the local community give them space to perform their duties. The SAPS is committed to preventing criminal activity,” stated the police.

So far, over 1,000 individuals have emerged from illegal mining operations, with ongoing efforts to encourage any remaining miners to return.

“Only three illegal miners have appeared today. The SAPS will persist in asserting the authority of the state without bias,” the police emphasized.

This week, the Cabinet praised the police for their efforts in combating illegal mining in the North West.