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Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s walkabout at Stilfontein mine shaft on November 15, 2024.
The High Court in Pretoria is today expected to hear the main application over the stand-off between illegal miners and police at a mine in Stilfontein in the North West.
The organisation, Society for the Protection of our Constitution, approached the court for relief for the unconfirmed number of illegal miners.
Police have been waiting for the illegal miners to resurface.
Last week, the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said government will not offer any assistance to the illegal miners. This has prompted urgent legal action against Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa who has been cited in papers as the first respondent.
It is expected that parties will fully flesh out their arguments before Judge Brenda Neukircher.
On Saturday, Neukircher granted an order directing that the mine be unblocked and that emergency personnel be permitted access to the trapped people.
Members of the police service have been stationed above the shaft waiting to effect arrests against those resurfacing from underground.
This while community members raised concerns over the conditions and health of the suspected illegal miners who have refused to emerge.
VIDEO |Pretoria High Court orders reopening of Stilfontein mine for rescue efforts:
