Earlier today, the SAPS reported on X that illegal miners amounting to 246 had been rescued and detained since Monday, while 78 were declared dead. The report further provided a breakdown of those who have been detained—while 128 were Mozambican nationals, 80 were from Lesotho, 33 from Zimbabwe, and five from South Africa. Moreover, this morning marked the final search in the mine shafts as rescue volunteers carried out their last search and rescue mission.
Addressing the media near the mine, North West police commissioner Patric Asaneng stated that operation “Vala Umgodi,” which began in 2023 and “pencilled” to end this year in May, will continue to roll out. He also confirmed that all the zama zamas had been retrieved from the mine shafts. Though the retrieval operation has been completed, the police are, however, retaining their presence near the two shafts where about 2,000 zama zamas have emerged over the last five months.
According to Asaneng, the majority of the illegal miners rescued from the underground are not South Africans; thus, they have been working with consulates from the miners’ countries of origin in accordance with international requirements and procedure. He also added that they asked the consulates to assist them in identifying the remains of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Consulate General of Zimbabwe Eria Phiri visited the mine shafts today and spoke to the media. He stated that he is willing to collaborate with the government of South Africa in identifying the Zimbabwean citizens who were in the mine.
About the Author
