Humanitarian aid is being sent to illegal miners trapped in Stilfontein shafts following a court order

Humanitarian aid is being sent to suspected illegal miners, known as zama zamas, trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. This follows a court order issued over the weekend by the Pretoria High Court.

The court allowed community groups, charities, and other parties to deliver food and water to the miners at shafts 10, 11, and Margaret shaft. This decision is temporary, pending the outcome of the main application set for Thursday.

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) secured the court's approval for the aid. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed the supplies sent on Monday included items like mageu, instant porridge, and water. Additional supplies were planned for Tuesday.

“The police are monitoring the process but are not actively participating, as instructed by the court order,” Mathe said.

Images shared by the police showed the delivery operation in progress. Over 1,200 miners have already come up from the shafts since August 18, following a police operation called Operation Vala Umgodi. Authorities began restricting food and water supplies to the miners in mid-October, but the court's decision has now eased this blockade.

Community members and organizations continue delivering aid while police maintain high alert around the area.