President Ramaphosa has Called for the Safe Rescue Illegal Miners

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has called for the safe rescue of numerous illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft in North West province. In his address on Monday, he emphasized the importance of police respecting human rights while upholding the law. 

Authorities have cut off food and water supplies to the miners in an effort to encourage them to exit the mine for arrest. The miners entered the Stilfontein shaft in pursuit of residual gold, a long-standing concern in South Africa's mining sector. Local residents and activist groups have criticized this blockade, warning that it could endanger lives.

“The Stilfontein mine is a crime scene,” Ramaphosa stated, insisting that police should secure the site while also ensuring the miners return safely. He committed to collaboration between the government and the mining sector to tackle illegal mining, which is costing the economy billions annually.

While volunteers have managed to bring some miners to the surface, reports indicate that hundreds are still underground. It's unclear if they are unwilling or unable to leave.