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Rescue Operation at Stilfontein Mine: 6 Bodies Recovered and 26 Illegal Gold Miners Saved

Stilfontein – Authorities have recovered at least six bodies from abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein, North West, where it is feared that hundreds of illegal miners are trapped or otherwise unable to make their way to the surface.

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola reported that six bodies had been recovered, and a total of 26 miners had managed to resurface from various shafts in the vicinity.

“In the past 24 hours, six deceased individuals have been retrieved in Stilfontein. This loss of life is unfortunate and underscores the hazardous and perilous conditions under which these illegal miners are operating,” expressed General Masemola.

He indicated that post-mortem examinations will be conducted to ascertain the causes of death for the illegal gold miners.

“At least 26 illegal miners have emerged from different shafts over the last 48 hours in the Stilfontein area,” mentioned General Masemola.

Moreover, he noted that more than 1,387 illegal miners have resurfaced in recent weeks.

Police have been positioned at the exits of the shafts to apprehend illegal miners as they surface.

The arrested individuals include 919 from Mozambique, 382 from Zimbabwe, 65 from Lesotho, and 13 South Africans.

General Masemola announced that the high court in Pretoria adjusted its previous order requiring the police to supply food and water to the illegal miners underground earlier on Thursday.

Supplies for illegal gold miners trapped underground

“As of today, restrictions have been implemented regarding this order,” stated General Masemola.

“Food and water will now be delivered from Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 16:00. No supplies will be lowered on weekends.

“Additionally, hazardous substances such as paraffin, gas, and diesel will no longer be allowed to be brought down to the illegal miners.”

General Masemola also disclosed that police are investigating potential human trafficking cases.

“We are looking into allegations of child and human trafficking, as many individuals who have resurfaced reported being brought here under false promises of job opportunities,” General Masemola revealed.

“They were subsequently held against their will and forced into illegal gold mining for their captors.

“We have heard reports that some of these armed bosses are keeping a majority of these illegal miners hostage underground.”

“It is clear that everyone must exit these derelict and abandoned mines, and we are all working on ways to make this happen.”

General Masemola emphasized that the recent arrests of key figures demonstrate the police’s determination to hold those responsible accountable.

“Two illegal mining kingpins, Joacham Chivayo, a Zimbabwean citizen, and Ayanda Gungwa, a South African citizen, were apprehended by the Hawks at a high-end estate last Tuesday,” stated General Masemola.

“The pair was discovered with R15 million worth of unwrought gold.

“They have already appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court and have been charged for violating the Precious Metals Act.”

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