All three spheres of government might collaborate to pool resources and funds for the rescue operation. A plan is in place to rescue illegal miners trapped in an abandoned shaft in Stilfontein, North West although authorities are keeping the details under wraps. The South African Police Service (Saps) and other law enforcement agencies are locked in a standoff with illegal miners who remain underground, refusing to emerge from the abandoned gold mine to delay arrest. ALSO READ: 1 100 soldiers deployed to help fight illegal mining Earlier this month, authorities ramped up Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the North West and other regions across the country. The intensified crackdown has already led to more than 1 000 miners resurfacing at the Stilfontein mine. One body
