Team of community members arrive at abandoned Stilfontein mine to resume rescue efforts
A group of about 30 community members are part of the team that is expected to assist illegal miners wanting to resurface from an abandoned shaft.
STILFONTEIN - A team of community members has arrived at an abandoned mine in Stilfontein to resume rescue efforts, as hundreds of illegal miners remain underground.
A group of about 30 community members are part of the team that is expected to assist illegal miners wanting to resurface from an abandoned shaft.
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Earlier in November, police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) intensified efforts to fight illegal mining in the area.
It was another slow start to Saturday’s operation, with police again stationed near the shaft where the illegal miners remain.
Police have reiterated that they have no plans to send additional resources to assist the community members.
However, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said an official assessment has been made to find other viable solutions to bring the miners back to the surface.
“However, you would’ve seen yesterday we roped in a team of mining experts to advise the team that has been appointed by the minister of police, being led by the MEC for community safety, so we’re not going to delve much into what was discussed in that meeting because the ministers are yet to be briefed.”
It’s unclear how long the operation is still expected to last.