Court told Stilfontein illegal miners not trapped, but chose not to resurface

The illegal miners who are still underground in Stilfontein, in the North West, are not trapped. Those who have opted not to exit the mine are simply still there because they fear being arrested. This is according to Jose Melembe, principal inspector of mines in the North West region, who handed an affidavit to the Gauteng High Court, on behalf of the minister of mineral resources. This followed an application in which the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution approached the court for an urgent order in a bid to come to the aid of the miners who were still underground. Phemelo speaks to National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe about government's submissions to the court.