Sabie – The rescue mission of illegal miners trapped underground at a disused “South Mine” in Sabie, outside Mashishing (formerly Lydenburg) in Mpumalanga, has concluded with at least 153 individuals brought to the surface.
Earlier this week, a security officer raised the alarm after he became aware of the illegal miners stuck underground.
The rescue operation in Sabie, Mpumalanga was carried out at an abandoned mine called South Mine and has been completed.
Police said most of the rescued illegal miners better known as Zama Zamas are foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
The operation, which began on Tuesday, (3 December 2024), was completed on Friday evening, (6 December 2024).
“During the operation, a total of 153 alleged illegal miners were brought to the surface, with three bodies retrieved on Wednesday, (4 December 2024),” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“No injuries were reported during the operation, both amongst the individuals brought to the surface and the law enforcement personnel involved.”
The team involved in the rescue operation included a mining company, security companies, the SA Police Service (SAPS), the departments of Home Affairs, and Health (Emergency Medical Services), and the South African National Defence Force.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General, Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed appreciation for the teamwork, professionalism, and cooperation displayed during the operation.
“The investigation into the illegal mining activities has already begun to ensure that justice is served,” said the General.
“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.”
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, also visited the area during the rescue operation on Thursday, (5 December 2024).
“It must be noted that more resources are required to retrieve more of these illegal miners,” said General Masemola.
“We are at this stage looking at what can be done and what resources are needed to save lives.
“Mpumalanga is one the seven provinces that have been identified as a hot spot for illegal mining activities.”
General Masemola was accompanied by the Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, and General Mkhwanazi.
