Katlego Sekhu

The layered dynamics of the Stilfontein stand-off between illegal miners and the South African Police hold far greater depth than many realise.
Kaya News reporter Pitso Molemane, who spent considerable time on-site at the Stilfontein mine, recently shared a personal account of his journalistic experience.
The story encompasses multiple perspectives—from the illegal miners to the police and the surrounding community— giving a broader account beyond the headlines.
Molemane describes Stilfontein as a poverty-stricken area with minimal development. “Residents claim that illegal mining is all they know, and officials and police are well aware of this,” he noted.
Questions have arisen regarding why the miners did not emerge from underground. Molemane explains, “They were afraid of being arrested. The first fourteen who resurfaced saw the police, panicked, and retreated into the shaft. Reports indicate that some sustained injuries.”
He further revealed that some miners had been underground for extended periods. “There are miners who have been below for 11 months to over two years. Not everyone is digging for gold—some are responsible for transporting food and only surface when they are paid by the kingpins,” he added.
For a comprehensive account of the Stilfontein events, listen to the Drive 959 podcast featuring Molemane’s detailed insights.
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