Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni asserted that the South African government will not assist illegal miners, stating, "We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. Criminals are not to be helped; criminals are to be prosecuted. We didn't send them there." This statement reflects the government's tough stance amidst increasing illegal mining activities.
Analysts from the Daily Maverick expressed skepticism about the number of illegal miners in the shaft, suggesting that the range may be closer to 2,000 than the initially reported 4,000. This indicates a discrepancy in the data surrounding illegal mining operations and their participants.
As part of the 'Vala Umgodi' or 'Close the Hole' operation, police have arrested over 1,000 illegal miners who surfaced in response to the government's intensified actions to eliminate illegal mining activities.
The South African police and Ministry of Defense are planning visits to the North West province to coordinate responses and address challenges related to the ongoing illegal mining crisis.
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