Potchefstroom was thrust into the spotlight yesterday, 28 November 2024, as 17 illegal miners dramatically emerged from the depths of two abandoned mining shafts.
The miners, who had been operating covertly in the area, resurfaced amidst heightened attention on illegal mining activities across South Africa.
14 of these miners were pulled from the notorious Margaret Shaft, while the remaining three emerged at Shaft No. 10.
The individuals from Margaret Shaft have been identified as foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, sparking concerns about the growing presence of undocumented immigrants involved in illegal mining operations.
Authorities processed the miners, and they face charges related to illegal mining and possible immigration violations.
This incident highlights the dangerous and unlawful practices that plague South Africa’s mining sector, with communities often bearing the brunt of the environmental and social consequences.
Stay tuned for more updates as investigations unfold and the authorities tighten the net around illicit mining syndicates.
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