Latest News & Developments
stilfontein
Blood gold bonanza: Inside South Africa’s shadow mining empire where crime, corruption, and desperation strike it rich
The rise of illegal mining in the country has raised human rights concerns and questions about who ultimately benefits.
Hundreds of Stilfontein miners face deportation as legal battle continues after Operation Vala Umgodi
More than five months after Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, police confirm 156 cases involving 1 831 suspects remain pending. While over 1 000 miners have been found guilty on charges ranging from illegal mining to immigration violations, human rights organisations argue these are 'crimes of poverty' that could be resolved through proper regulation of abandoned mines.
Macua accuses SAPS and NPA of corporate bias ahead of national inquiry
Macua has made submissions to the South African Human Rights Commission ahead of the national inquiry into illegal mining.
Postponement of case against four police officers linked to alleged mining kingpin's escape
The case against four police officers accused of aiding an alleged mining kingpin's escape has been postponed, as investigations enter a sensitive phase.
Decomposed body of alleged zama zama from Lesotho found at illegal mining shaft in Mokopane, Limpopo
A body, thought to that of a Lesotho national involved in illegal mining activities, was found by Limpopo police in a shallow grave at Zwartkrans Mine near Makapan's Valley, in Mokopane, Limpopo.
Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane slams GNU’s failure to reach legislative agreements
As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for his SONA address, Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane has called for urgent solutions to address the nation’s growing economic and social challenges, citing GNU’s failure to address key issues.
Hawks apprehend over 1,400 suspects amidst crime crackdown
With a focus on high-profile criminal cases, the Hawks reveal significant arrest figures and the dismantling of drug labs in South Africa.
Stilfontein corruption: Police officers arrested in kingpin escape case
Four police officers have been arrested on charges of aiding the escape of Stilfontein kingpin Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli, raising serious concerns about police corruption in the region.
Expert warns against reopening Stilfontein Mine as residents push for jobs
Residents of Khuma want the abandoned mine reopened to create jobs and boost the local economy, but mining expert Ingrid Watson warns that financial and safety concerns make this unlikely. While illegal mining has supported local businesses, it has also fueled crime and violence. Experts suggest alternative job creation strategies, but residents remain frustrated, calling for government action.
'They called them troublemakers, but they were our survival': Stilfontein struggles after illegal mining crackdown
In Stilfontein, the government’s crackdown on illegal mining was meant to restore order. But for residents like Rita de Sonsa, the absence of the miners has brought economic despair and uncertainty. As businesses crumble and hunger rises, the community is left questioning whether the crackdown did more harm than good.
How did Stilfontein kingpin 'Tiger' escape? Police boss points fingers at 'corrupt' cops within his ranks
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng is furious and frustrated that suspected illegal mining kingpin James Neo “Tiger” Tshoaeli vanished after being brought to the surface at Stilfontein. Now the hunt is on for the fugitive, and those in the police service who facilitated his disappearing act.
'No escape': Stilfontein miners are in isolated ward, with heavy police presence and security guards
North West Department of Health confirms that all illegal miners hospitalised in Stilfontein are stable but under heavy guard as authorities search for a fugitive kingpin
'Tiger' on the loose: North West MEC blames police for alleged Stilfontein kingpin's escape
Authorities are under scrutiny after the escape of alleged illegal mining kingpin James Neo Tshoaeli, with investigations underway into police involvement and accountability.
Police deny allegations of unfair treatment of Stilfontein miners
Following the death of a miner, SAPS responds to claims of inadequate medical treatment for Stilfontein miners, asserting their commitment to healthcare.
Report claims Zama zamas syndicates sell products to legitimate companies and fund political campaigns
A study conducted by Bench Marks Foundation, a religious non-profit organisation that monitors companies in South Africa and in the region, found that licensed mining companies purchase gold from illegal miners.
PA's Kenny Kunene 'unfazed' by EFF's threat to report him over controversial remarks on illegal miners
Kenny Kunene remains unapologetic after controversial remarks about illegal miners, promising harsh punishment for those he claims steal South Africa’s resources, despite the EFF’s push for sanctions and human rights investigations.
Reflecting on South Africa's mining safety: Lessons from past disasters
South Africa grapples with a legacy of mining disasters, calling for urgent reforms to ensure worker safety.
‘No repeat of Stilfontein mine in Ekurhuleni’: Zama zama killed in Germiston shoot-out with metro police
A deadly shoot-out erupted between metro police and a group of illegal miners in Germiston during a crackdown on illicit mining activities. One suspect was killed, and another was rushed to the hospital with injuries.
Rescued Stilfontein miner dies in hospital due to gastroenteritis and dehydration
The illegal miner rescued from Stilfontein's disused mines tragically died in hospital on Monday, at around 4am.
Stilfontein mining crisis: Mashaba questions constitutional protections for illegal miners
The government launched a rescue operation following a court-order mission that is focused on retrieving those trapped, either alive or deceased, as emergency teams work relentlessly to bring them to the surface.
Political parties demand commission of inquiry into Stilfontein mining crisis
Political parties in South Africa are demanding a commission of inquiry into the deaths of miners at the Stilfontein mines, highlighting government failures and the ongoing crisis of illegal mining.
Cannibalism shock: Stilfontein illegal miner claims they resorted to eating human flesh in the face of starvation
The illegal miner said the idea of eating human flesh started as a joke among those trapped underground. But as time marched on, it proved prophetic in the end.
Stilfontein Crisis Committee considers murder charges against government over miners' deaths
Stilfontein Crisis Committee is contemplating charging the government with murder following the discovery of over 70 miners.
Minister Gwede Mantashe urges stronger measures against illegal mining
Minister Gwede Mantashe has called for intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, describing it as a crime against the economy. Over 240 illegal miners have been arrested in Stilfontein’s ongoing rescue operations.
Volunteers say Stilfontein shaft littered with body parts of miners who fell and died while trying to resurface
The Stilfontein Crisis Committee said even though all surviving miners have been rescued, the shaft is littered with body parts of some miners who died trying to make their way to the surface.