By Mapaballo Borotho
- At least 14 illegal miners have died, and scores of others have been injured at a disused mine in Nkaneng, near Rustenburg, North West.
- Police have not yet provided further details about the incident, while newly appointed provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams is on his way to the scene.
- The incident comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining activities and the dangers posed to miners, law enforcement officials and surrounding communities.
South Africa woke up to yet another shocking incident on Tuesday morning, with police reporting that at least 14 illegal miners have died and scores of others have been injured at a disused mine in Nkaneng, near Rustenburg, North West.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe did not provide further details on the incident, but explained that the newly appointed provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams, was on his way to the scene.
Kaya 959 is still awaiting a response from police regarding further details and will provide an update in due time.
The increasing number of illegal mining activities in South Africa
Illegal mining in North West is a growing crisis, involving armed zama zamas, environmental damage and frequent law enforcement interventions.
Illegal mining, often conducted by individuals known as zama zamas, occurs without state permission in both abandoned and operational mines.
It has become widespread across the country, with hotspots identified mainly in Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga.
Illegal mining activities have also seen illegal miners and people who abide by the law lose their lives.
In some areas, it has also been reported that illegal miners terrorise communities, with allegations of rape and robbery targeting vulnerable people.
Last month, two soldiers lost their lives after they were trapped underground while pursuing illegal miners in an abandoned Johannesburg mine shaft.
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