By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A total of 153 alleged illegal miners who were trapped inside an abandoned mine shaft in Sabie, were brought to the surface on Friday evening of 6 December, following an intense rescue operation that started on Tuesday 3 December.
The operation was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of committed law enforcement agencies including SAPS(South African Police Service), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health(Emergency Medical Services),SANDF(South African National Defence Force), as well as security personnel from a local mining company.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said three lifeless bodies were also retrieved. He added that senior officials from Government and SAPS also visited the area on 5 December, including National Commissioner-General Fanie Masemola, Mpumalanga Premier-Mandla Ndlovu, Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner,Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
“ It is worth noting that amongst the 153 individuals brought to the surface, most are foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with some South Africans also included in the group,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
The MEC for Mpumalanga DCSSL(Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Jackie Macie, said the police will thoroughly investigate all the individuals involved in order to impose the relevant punishment.
“ While we condemn illegal mining and related activities, we deeply appreciate the efforts of the(rescue) team to bring all individuals to the surface. Was it not for their commitment while working under extreme heat, the situation could’ve been worse. We also believe that once the kingpins are arrested, a huge impact will be made towards eradicating illegal mining,” said Macie.
Major-General Mkhwanazi said investigations are underway to ensure that justice is served.
“ We plead with everyone to allow this team a space to conduct their investigation without being distracted and the public will be notified in due course meanwhile Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to be active to curb illegal mining activities in the province,” said General Mkhwanazi.
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