North West police are investigating allegations of extortion after an individual allegedly demanded a 30% cut from a rescue team deployed at the Stilfontein gold mine. The extortionist reportedly contacted the team on Wednesday, insisting on the large percentage for their involvement in the ongoing operation. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, a police spokesperson, confirmed that the matter is under investigation.
The rescue mission, which was authorized by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, began last week following a plea from local residents for assistance in rescuing illegal miners trapped underground. The expert team, appointed by Mchunu, arrived at the mine, but their efforts were briefly interrupted by the extortion attempt. The suspect also allegedly arrived at the mine in person on Wednesday to make the demand.
The police spokesperson explained that a camera would be sent into the shaft before the official rescue mission begins, though he emphasized that this was not meant to spy on the miners, but was part of the standard rescue protocol.
Meanwhile, residents of Stilfontein have raised concerns about the well-being of the miners, alleging that the police had blocked them from delivering food to those trapped underground. Community leader Johannes Qankase stated that food deliveries had been halted since Saturday. Mokgwabone denied the allegations, stating that there had been no interference with the food supply.
The situation has led to further tensions, with the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria reserving judgment until Monday to decide whether authorities should allow food, medication, and other essentials to be sent down the shaft for the miners.