Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo Criticizes Suspended Sentences for Illegal Miners

Polly Boshielo, Deputy Minister of Police, has expressed concerns that the fully suspended sentences given to illegal miners represent a setback in the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit mining in South Africa.

Earlier this week, IOL reported that a group of illegal miners arrested from abandoned mines in Stilfontein, North West, were sentenced to suspended prison terms by the court. The miners, known as “zama zamas,” had appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on December 31, where they faced charges of illegal mining and violating the Immigration Act.

According to North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the accused miners include 10 nationals from Lesotho, four from Mozambique, and five from Zimbabwe. Their ages range from 20 to 43.

The court handed down sentences of six months in prison or a R12,000 fine for the illegal mining charges, but these sentences were fully suspended for five years, provided the miners do not commit the same crime during that period.

They also received an additional three-month sentence or a R6,000 fine for contravening the Immigration Act, which was also suspended for five years under similar conditions.

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In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Boshielo voiced her disappointment over the lenient sentences, calling it a significant setback in efforts to combat illegal mining across the country.

She argued that the decision sends a troubling message, especially since many of those involved were foreign nationals operating without proper documentation. Boshielo warned that such actions could lead to a dangerous precedent, encouraging further illegal activities and undermining the rule of law in South Africa.

She expressed frustration that, instead of facing serious consequences, illegal miners are being treated as victims, which she believes undermines the nation’s economy and security.

“We are not even dealing with South Africans who are trying to make a living,” Boshielo said, emphasizing that the miners’ illegal status and lack of documentation should not be overlooked.

Boshielo also clarified that police were not responsible for any starvation of miners, stating that the force was simply arresting those who were leaving the mines.

This comes after a December ruling in the Pretoria High Court, which found that the police had blocked food and water deliveries to miners, violating a court order that allowed community groups and charities to supply essential provisions.

The issue has sparked further debate, with the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) criticizing the government’s handling of the crisis, especially following the tragic deaths of over 50 miners whose bodies were recovered after a protracted rescue operation at Stilfontein.

The ongoing saga has raised serious questions about the treatment of illegal miners and the broader implications of such leniency in the judicial system.

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