17 suspected illegal miners from Stilfontein still receiving hospital treatment

The North West Health Department has confirmed that 17 suspected illegal miners are still receiving treatment at the Klerksdorp Hospital Complex following their extraction from the Stilfontein mine.

This comes after a large-scale rescue operation aimed at addressing the dire situation of suspected illegal miners in the area.

Two Deaths Reported

The department reported on Friday that another alleged illegal miner, Jonny Shingani, had succumbed to medical complications, bringing the total number of deaths to two. Shingani’s passing underscores the dangerous conditions and health challenges faced by those involved in illegal mining operations.

The first death had been reported earlier in the week, adding urgency to the provision of medical care for those extracted from the mine.

Massive Rescue Operation

The fatalities follow a three-day national rescue operation that led to the extraction of 246 suspected illegal miners from the Stilfontein mine. The operation was conducted by a coalition of law enforcement agencies, medical personnel, and other relevant stakeholders.

All 246 individuals were subjected to medical assessments carried out by healthcare professionals in the North West province. Among them, 33 individuals required admission to the Klerksdorp Hospital Complex for further treatment due to their deteriorating health conditions.

Current Status of Patients

Since the initial admissions, 14 individuals have recovered sufficiently and have been discharged from the hospital. They have since been handed over to the police for further processing, as investigations into their involvement in illegal mining activities continue.

As of now, 17 patients remain under medical care at the hospital. Health officials have not disclosed the specific ailments being treated but have emphasized the seriousness of the patients’ conditions, many of which stem from long-term exposure to hazardous mining environments.

Unfortunately, two of the admitted miners have passed away due to medical complications.

Hazards of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining, often referred to as “zama-zama” activity, is a persistent issue in South Africa, particularly in the North West, Gauteng, and Free State provinces. These operations are typically conducted in unsafe, abandoned mines, exposing miners to a range of health and safety risks, including:

• Collapsing mine shafts
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Respiratory illnesses caused by prolonged inhalation of dust and hazardous gases
• Injuries from makeshift tools and equipment

Medical professionals who attended to the miners noted signs of severe exhaustion, dehydration, and respiratory complications. These conditions are common among illegal miners, who often endure long hours in poorly ventilated environments without proper protective gear.

Government Response and Police Involvement

The rescue operation forms part of the government’s broader efforts to address the issue of illegal mining, which has significant implications for public health, safety, and the economy.

• The police are continuing investigations into the activities of the rescued individuals.
• Authorities are working to determine if the miners are connected to larger illegal mining syndicates operating in the region.

The North West Health Department has pledged its commitment to providing the necessary medical care for the remaining patients while collaborating with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.

Ongoing Challenges

The Stilfontein mine incident highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to combat illegal mining and its associated dangers. It also raises questions about the underlying socio-economic issues driving individuals to engage in such perilous activities.

While the rescue operation succeeded in saving lives, it also brought to light the dire circumstances many illegal miners face. Advocacy groups have called for more comprehensive strategies to address unemployment and poverty, which are often cited as the root causes of illegal mining.

Conclusion

As the 17 remaining miners continue to receive treatment at the Klerksdorp Hospital Complex, the focus remains on their recovery and the ongoing investigations into the Stilfontein mine activities. With two fatalities already reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in illegal mining and the pressing need for systemic interventions to address the crisis.