Illegal mining | Unknown number of miners remain underground

KLERKSDORP – It’s almost two weeks since the community of Klerksdorp and nearby townships,
has been waiting to see their loved ones resurface from disused mining shafts in Klerksdorp.  

So far, over a thousand illegal miners have come to the surface.

But an unknown number remain underground.

READ: Government says there are legal routes for zama zamas

The zama zamas are being flushed out through an operation between the SAPS and the army.

The Department of Mineral Resources says while it continues to work with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on zama zamas, it also has formal programmes in place for those who want to mine legally.

• eNCA’s Bafedile Moerane filed this report.