Ntshavheni highlights danger to critics, heavily armed Zama Zamas poses with viral clip: ‘To refresh’

• Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni attempted to set the record straight on her stance in favor of illegal miners
• Ntshavheni released a clip showing heavily armed zama zamas after receiving backlash online for saying they would be smoked
• His efforts to defuse the situation were met with mixed reactions, with some applauding Ntshavheni for his views.

STILFONTEIN — Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni attempted to quell the noise generated by her recent remarks with a blatant message.

Ntshavheni was heavily criticized for making controversial remarks during a press briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

Ntshavheni reminds SA of zamas zamas

While discussing the outcome of the cabinet meeting held a week earlier, she stressed that no amount of help would find the criminals while an estimated 4,000 starving zama zamas remain underground at the Stilfontein gold mine in Klerksdorp, in the northwest.

After receiving criticism for saying police would “smoke them out” instead of helping to get them out, Ntshavheni released a video of heavily armed zama zamas beneath the surface to highlight how dangerous they are.

She captioned the document, which showed a group of five men dancing to music played by one of them with an accordion:

“Just to refresh our memories (of people) refusing to resurface the Stilfontein well.”

The 30-second clip shows the men armed to the teeth, each brandishing two handguns, which they brandish at the camera while enjoying the music.

According to officials, the crackdown on illicit mining carried out by a joint task force comprising the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) in the Bojanala Platinum district has seen the crowd refuse to resurface due to imminent arrest. .

As part of Operation Vala Umgodi, law enforcement blocked roads used to deliver food and water to illegal underground miners.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said there were no plans to send law enforcement into the disused mine to reach the illegal miners, as they were heavily armed .

In brief News recently reported that between October 18 and November 5, more than 1,000 zama zamas resurfaced from the mine due to thirst and hunger.

Local netizens wink at Ntshavheni

After the online post, most users tended to agree with Nthavheni, highlighting the danger illegal miners posed to the country’s national interests.

In brief News look at the comment.

@MatJGeorge wrote:

“Mr. Minister, while you are normally useless, on this point, we commend your efforts. Thank you.”

@LeratorMm said:

“It’s disgusting and embarrassing that people feel sorry for these criminals.”

@Mabokisi added:

“(I) completely agree. South Africa should prioritize its national interests by tackling illegal mining and immigration with transparency and strong governance while fostering regional cooperation. “

Decomposed body of illegal miner found

In related news, In brief News reported that police found the decomposing body of an illegal miner at the Stilfontein mine on November 14.

Three illegal miners surfaced alive the same day, while police opened an investigation into the only death confirmed so far.

Source: In Brief News