Calls mount for de-escalation of tensions between law enforcement & illegal miners in Stilfontein

STILFONTEIN - Calls are mounting for a de-escalation of tensions between law enforcement and illegal miners in Stilfontein in the North West.

This comes amid attempts to close down a network of illicit activity in the area. 

Hundreds of zama zamas have failed to resurface from a number of shafts at the abandoned old Buffelsfontein gold mine, while police refuse to send additional aid to those underground.

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The decomposed body of one miner was retrieved on Thursday. 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was in a roundtable discussion with other government officials, community leaders and delegates from the mining sector to find a solution to the impasse. 

Religious leaders have also pleaded with Mchunu to intervene to ensure the illegal miners are brought back to safety. 

"There must be a different approach even with the legality and ethical complexity of the situation. If we can look at the situation from another point of view to make sure that we can enter into a solution that can save lives," one religious leader said.