Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's remark, "We are going to smoke them out," came during a media briefing addressing the situation of approximately 4,000 illegal miners (known as zama zamas) believed to be trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West province. The government cut off the miners' food and water supplies, intending to force them to emerge. Ntshavheni justified the action, stating that aiding individuals engaged in criminal activities would undermine the law.

She emphasized that the miners would face prosecution once they surfaced【6】【7】. The comment drew criticism from various human rights groups, opposition parties, and community leaders, who argued that the approach disregarded the miners' lives. Critics highlighted the dangerous conditions underground and potential fatalities. Ntshavheni countered by pointing out the violent crimes often linked to zama zamas, including robberies, rapes, and turf wars, framing the government's response as a firm stand against criminality【6】【7】. Authorities had previously arrested over 1,000 illegal miners as part of the "Vala Umgodi" (Close the Hole) operation.

The broader context includes South Africa's abandoned mines, which have become hotspots for illegal mining, a dangerous yet lucrative underground economy fueled by poverty and weak border controls. The government insists that the measures are necessary to address the violence and exploitation tied to illegal mining operations【6】【7】.