Mission Accomplished: 153 Illegal Miners Rescued, 3 Bodies Found in Sabie Rescue Operation
Sabie – The operation to rescue illegal miners trapped underground at a derelict “South Mine” in Sabie, located near Mashishing (formerly known as Lydenburg) in Mpumalanga, has successfully concluded with at least 153 individuals brought safely to the surface.
Earlier this week, a security officer raised the alarm upon discovering the illegal miners stuck below ground.
The rescue mission at the abandoned South Mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga, has now been completed.
According to police reports, the majority of the rescued illegal miners, commonly referred to as Zama Zamas, are foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
The operation commenced on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and was finalized by Friday evening, December 6, 2024.
“During the operation, a total of 153 suspected illegal miners were brought to the surface, and three fatalities were recovered on Wednesday, December 4, 2024,” stated Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“No injuries were reported among the individuals rescued or the law enforcement personnel involved in the mission.”
The rescue team comprised personnel from a mining company, security firms, the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as the Departments of Home Affairs and Health (Emergency Medical Services), and the South African National Defence Force.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed gratitude for the teamwork, professionalism, and cooperation demonstrated throughout the operation.
“An investigation into the illegal mining operations has already commenced to ensure that justice is pursued,” the General remarked.
“We urge everyone to give this team the space to conduct their investigation without interruptions; the public will be informed in due course. Meanwhile, Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to actively combat illegal mining activities in the province.”
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, also visited the site during the rescue operation.
“It is important to note that additional resources are needed to rescue any further illegal miners,” General Masemola stated.
“We are currently evaluating what can be done and what resources are necessary to save lives.
“Mpumalanga is one of seven provinces identified as a hotspot for illegal mining activities.”
General Masemola was accompanied by the Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, the Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, and General Mkhwanazi.