adminA total of 66 illegal miners have been rescued during renewed operations at shaft 11 in Stilfontein, North West.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the death toll has risen to 51.
She said since the rescue missions resumed, 82 have been arrested and they are facing charges of illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the immigration act charges.
“Two illegal miners who were found in possession of gold have also been charged with being in the illegal possession of gold-bearing material,” she added. On Monday, Mathe said 35 illegal miners were extracted and nine were certified dead.
The extraction of the miners and dead bodies followed the clearing of the site over the weekend and the arrival of a massive crane.
“Once they are extracted, the illegal miners are inspected for any illicit items such as gold nuggets and illegal firearms and thereafter assessed by paramedics on site,” according to a joint statement by Department of Police and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
“Those that require further medical care are taken to a health facility for further medical care, while those who are in good health are immediately detained.”
The departments said all illegal miners are processed to determine their nationality and their immigration status, and once that is done, they are detained in police cells.
“Following the deaths of these illegal miners, [the SA Police Service] SAPS is investigating allegations that the food that was sent down, was allegedly limited and kept from these illegal miners as well as allegations of abuse and cases of assault, following videos that emerged from underground showing some illegal miners being beaten and tortured.”
The rescue mission is anticipated to last for the next 10 to 16 days. — IOL
Online Reporter