Zimbabwean officials roped in to ID, repatriate remains of illegal Stilfontein miners

JOHANNESBURG - As operations in Stilfontein wind down, Zimbabwean officials have been roped in to help identify and repatriate the remains of scores of illegal miners back to the neighbouring country.

Undocumented Zimbabwean nationals are among more than 80 zama zamas who died at the Buffelsfontein gold mine when police intensified an operation to clamp down on illegal mining in the area.

Close to 2,000 illegal miners were operating at the disused mine, with the biggest number of Mozambican nationals, followed by Zimbabweans and BaSothos.

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While thousands were arrested during the government-led operation Stilfontein more than 80 illegal miners are unidentified at mortuaries in the North-West.

Acting police commissioner in the province, Patrick Asaneng, said that diplomatic talks between Zimbabwe and SA were underway.

"They will assist us with the verification and confirmation of their addresses and with engaging with those that are still alive."

Consular General of Zimbabwe Eria Phiri visited Stilfontein on Thursday.

"So far, we went to start with the verification and identification of the 465 who have been brought to the surface alive. Using the 465, we will try to extract as much information as possible so that we have an indication of who was operating underground."

It's unclear how long this process will take.