Stilfontein: High-tech equipment sent down as police verify claims of no more miners underground
More than 250 illegal miners have been retrieved since the start of phase three this week, with 78 dead bodies being recovered.
Rescuers use a Metalliferous Mobile Rescue Winder during a rescue operation to retrieve illegal miners from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein on 14 January 2025. Picture: Christian Velcich/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Mine rescue experts have sent high-tech equipment down a disused mine shaft in Stilfontein as police try to verify claims there are no more illegal miners underground.
This follows a drawn-out operation to shut down illicit mining networks in the North West and six other provinces.
Two months ago, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu appointed a task team to lead the retrieval of thousands of zama zamas occupying the Buffelsfontein gold mine.
More than 250 illegal miners have been retrieved since the start of phase three this week, with 78 dead bodies being recovered.
READ: Calls mount for establishment of commission of inquiry into govt's response to Stilfontein
Since Monday, a cage was sent down the shaft to help bring up the illegal miners operating underground.
After police and mining experts raised concerns about some of the dangers underground, two community leaders volunteered to go underground to help with the retrieval.
After several trips on Wednesday, they told police the shaft was clear.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the verification process is already ongoing..
“What is unfolding now is that the detectives are taking down statements for the volunteers to outline what they found underground and to confirm that there are no more illegal minors underground. Thereafter, a psychologist will arrive in an hour’s time to counsel the volunteers that assisted in the operation.”
The equipment used by the illegal miners to run the operation is still underground, while it’s believed there are also still some human remains in the shaft.