Mantashe arrives in Stilfontein as operation to retrieve zama zamas continues

STILFONTEIN - Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has arrived in Stilfontein to get the latest on developments on a retrieval operation at an abandoned mine. 

Mantashe's long-awaited visit comes as phase three of the rescue operation of illegal miners gains momentum. 

The final phase of a plan to shut down the illicit mining network kicked off on Monday with a cage sent down to retrieve the first group of zama zamas.

This is the first time Mantashe is visiting Stilfontein. 

READ: 8 more illegal miners retrieved from Stilfontein abandoned shaft

He's previously likened the situation here to a bank heist, adding the illicit mining activities were under police jurisdiction and not his. 

He has, however, spoken openly about the need to implement policies for artisanal mining. 

The relatives of some of the illegal miners have also started to arrive. 

They want Mantashe and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to account for what they've described as a humanitarian crisis underground.

Thirty illegal miners have been retrieved so far on Tuesday, while 6 bodies have been recovered.