A South African court has ordered police to end a standoff with illegal miners at the disused Stilfontein gold mine, permitting emergency workers to access the site and allowing miners to exit without obstruction.

On Saturday, 16 November the High Court in Pretoria, Gauteng issued the interim ruling in response to growing concerns for the welfare of hundreds of people who have been underground for weeks without access to food or water.

The standoff began as part of “Operation Vala Umgodi”, a government crackdown on illegal mining. Police had blocked supplies to the miners, many of whom are undocumented migrants fearing arrest or deportation.

At least one body has been recovered from the mine, underscoring the dangers faced by the workers, who often endure harsh conditions underground for months.

Authorities welcomed the court’s decision but reaffirmed their commitment to detain miners in good health while providing medical care to those in need. Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into potential rights violations.

Illegal mining remains a major challenge in South Africa, driven by poverty, unemployment, and thousands of abandoned mines. Experts note that while criminal syndicates profit from the activity, miners face exploitation and severe risks.

Consequently, calls for reforms to legalise small-scale mining are growing.

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