Devastating fire claims life during raid on Daggafontein illegal miners
Fire at Daggafontein Mine leaves one dead, others missing. Survivors say the blaze was meant to drive them out, but it led to devastating consequences.
More than 50 illegal miners were intercepted at the Daggafontein Mine Dump on Fish Eagle Road during Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted by the SAPS and other law enforcers on Monday.
The operation took a tragic turn when a fire, allegedly ignited by law enforcement, swept through the reeds near the Blesbok River – a common escape route for zama zamas in the area.
According to some survivors, the fire was intended to flush out miners from their hiding spots, but it resulted in devastating consequences.
One person was confirmed dead at the scene, and several others remain unaccounted for.
Concerned residents from the Kwasa and Daggafontein informal settlements gathered near the river, anxiously hoping to find the missing individuals.
A miner, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Springs Advertiser about the harsh realities faced by those involved in illegal mining.
“As much as we know what we’re doing is illegal, we depend on it. This is how we put bread on the table for our families,” he said.
“I’ve been a zama zama since 2007, and it’s the only thing I know how to do.”
The miner expressed that while police raids are a common occurrence, Monday’s incident felt particularly threatening.
“We are used to police coming to raid the area, but what happened on Monday made us feel like we were being targeted to be killed.”
He recounted his harrowing escape from the burning reeds, describing how he and others, drenched in mud, had to act quickly to avoid being burned alive.
“We managed to take off our wet overalls and wrap our arms to prevent burns while pulling ourselves out of the swamp. We had to think fast because, had we not, we would have been caught in the flames.”
Another miner, still shaken by the ordeal, revealed that his younger brother was fighting for his life at a local hospital.
“I was told he was badly burnt, suffering third-degree burns on his face and upper body,” he said.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili, SAPS provincial spokesperson, confirmed that the Operation Vala Umgodi multidisciplinary team—comprising members from the SAPS, SANDF, EMDP, and other law enforcers conducted a disruptive operation.
“It is reported that when the illegal miners saw the police, they fled in different directions. Some of them ended up in a nearby dam surrounded by reed grass, which was then set alight by an unknown person,” said Muridili.
The SAPS Springs police officers responded to the fire.
Muridili further confirmed that one man was declared dead at the scene, while eight others were taken to the hospital.
“Of the eight, three have since been discharged. The remaining five are still receiving treatment for burn wounds, with two reported to be in critical condition.
Muridili said all the victims, who are reported to be illegal immigrants, have been identified, and an inquest case has been registered.
Following allegations from the local community that the Operation Vala Umgodi members were responsible for the fire, detectives have informed the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to investigate these claims.
