PRETORIA - Police say they've already spent over R30 million in the Stilfontein operation. That's according to North West police commissioner, Patrick Asaneng.
He briefed a joint sitting of Parliament's portfolio committees of police and minerals and Petroleum resources on illegal mining earlier.
Since August 2024, more than 1,500 illegal miners surfaced from the abandoned shafts in Stilfontein and over ninety bodies were also retrieved.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe estimates that this criminal activity, cost the South African economy R60 billion in 2024.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says investigations continue into the possible involvement of law enforcement in the escape of the illegal miner known as Tiger.
READ: Illegal mining | Cops nabbed for letting ‘Tiger’ escape
The alleged Zama Zama kingpin is believed to have fled an abandoned mineshaft in Stilfontein during rescue operations earlier this year.
Four police officers accused of aiding his escape have appeared in court two times. Their case was postponed to 29 May.