It seems they were underground in an abandoned mine and had to resurface due to starvation.

Police say they have blocked main roads around the city used to deliver food to miners.

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the arrests were part of their ongoing Operation Valumgodi:

“These 225 illegal miners are among the hundreds, if not a thousand, illegal miners stuck underground, without food, water and basic necessities. »

SAPS and SANDF are still monitoring these old abandoned mine shafts as more and more illegal miners resurface.

She says the operation has yielded positive results across the country.

READ: Marikana: 12 years later, still no apology to families – SERI

“Since its inception in December 2023, more than 13,691 suspects have been arrested in the seven provinces that are hotspots for illegal mining,” says Mathe.

Police also seized R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.