DailySun
Sabie – The mission to rescue illegal miners trapped underground at the abandoned “South Mine” in Sabie, near Mashishing (previously known as Lydenburg) in Mpumalanga, has successfully concluded, with a total of at least 153 individuals safely brought to the surface.
A security officer initially raised the alarm after discovering the illegal miners stranded underground earlier this week.
The rescue operation at the deserted South Mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga, has now been completed.
As per police reports, most of the rescued illegal miners, referred to as Zama Zamas, are foreign nationals hailing from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
The operation began on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and concluded by Friday evening, December 6, 2024.
“In total, 153 suspected illegal miners were safely brought to the surface, and three bodies were recovered on Wednesday, December 4, 2024,” stated Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the rescued individuals or the law enforcement teams involved in the operation.”
The rescue teams included personnel from a mining company, security firms, the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as representatives from the Departments of Home Affairs and Health (Emergency Medical Services), along with the South African National Defence Force.
Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, professionalism, and teamwork shown throughout the rescue.
“An investigation into the illegal mining operations has already begun to ensure that justice is served,” the General noted.
“We request that everyone allow this team the necessary space to conduct their investigation without interruptions; the public will be updated in due time. In the meantime, Operation Vala Umgodi will persist in actively combating illegal mining activities across the province.”
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, also visited the site during the continued rescue operation.
“It is crucial to mention that additional resources are essential to rescue any remaining illegal miners,” General Masemola stated.
“We are currently assessing what measures can be taken and what resources are required to save additional lives.
“Mpumalanga is among the seven provinces identified as hotspots for illegal mining activities.”
General Masemola was accompanied by Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, and General Mkhwanazi.
