In Sabie, Mpumalanga, rescue operations resumed early Thursday after being paused overnight.
Story Summary:
- Rescue efforts in Sabie resumed this morning after being suspended overnight, with 16 miners saved and three bodies recovered so far.
- In Stilfontein, over 1,300 illegal miners have resurfaced, while seven bodies have been retrieved.
- National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is overseeing the operations and addressing the broader illegal mining crisis.
Rescuers retrieve 16 survivors in Sabie
The South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by emergency services, has so far saved 16 illegal miners who were trapped underground and retrieved the bodies of three others.
Authorities estimate that more than 100 miners remain trapped in the abandoned mine shaft.
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SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that additional teams have been deployed to intensify the operation, which was halted for safety reasons due to poor visibility and unstable conditions during the night.
The trapped miners were reportedly conducting illegal mining activities before the shaft became unsafe, leading to the current crisis.
Stilfontein operations: Over 1,300 miners surface
In a parallel operation in Stilfontein, North West, SAPS teams have retrieved seven bodies and facilitated the escape of more than 1,300 illegal miners.
Despite this progress, hundreds of miners are believed to still be underground.
The rescue efforts are part of the broader “Vala Umgodi” initiative, aimed at addressing illegal mining hotspots across the country.
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is personally overseeing operations in both Sabie and Stilfontein.
Authorities intensify action against illegal mining
Last week, SAPS encountered a violent standoff with suspected illegal miners in Sabie.
Police patrols were ambushed by armed individuals, resulting in a shootout that left three suspects dead and one officer injured.
Police recovered two AK-47 rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition at the scene, a strong indication of the significant threat posed by heavily armed illegal miners.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating:
“It is crucial that our members remain watchful at all times.”
Masemola is expected to provide a comprehensive update on the progress later today.
