The South African Police Service (SAPS) has condemned the sharing of personal information about rescued illegal miners and the spread of misinformation surrounding the Stilfontein rescue operation. The SAPS is investigating the unauthorized release of sensitive data and has refuted claims of intentional blasting at a disused mine shaft.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strongly condemned the spread of misinformation surrounding the Stilfontein rescue operation of illegal miners. Operation Vala Umgodi, led by the SAPS, aimed to shut down supply routes for food, water, and other essential items to illegal miners operating in disused mine shafts. Initially, the miners, facing potential arrest, refused to resurface. However, starting in November 2024, they began to emerge, although tragically, not all survived.
The SAPS shared a list of the rescued miners, including their names, nationalities, and birthdates, with two community leaders to ensure transparency and facilitate the identification of next of kin. The police expressed deep concern over the widespread circulation of these lists on social media platforms, highlighting that the individuals remain suspects and their personal information should not be publicly shared. The SAPS is currently investigating the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive data. The SAPS has also refuted claims that shaft 10 of the disused Stilfontein mine was intentionally blasted by police. Following allegations, an explosives team thoroughly inspected the shaft and found no evidence of any explosion or bombing. Additionally, the SAPS clarified that a volunteer assisting in the rescue operation, identified as a parolee by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), is not under police custody. The DCS is reportedly handling the matter regarding the volunteer's alleged parole violation. Despite the successful retrieval of most illegal miners, the SAPS intends to maintain a presence in the area to prevent further illegal mining activities
SOUTH AFRICA POLICE ILLEGAL MINING RESCUE OPERATION STILFONTEIN MISINFORMATION
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