Stillfontein – At least 118 illegal miners were retrieved from an abandoned shaft in Stilfontein in the North West Tuesday afternoon.
SA Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe announced that a shocking 27 bodies were brought to the surface.
“A total of 83 illegal miners have been extracted… 56 alive… 27 have been certified dead,” Brigadier Mathe revealed.
On Monday the first day of the rescue, 35 illegal miners were extracted – nine were certified as deceased.
RELATED: Stilfontein Rescue Begins: 26 Miners Rescued, 9 Bodies Retrieved – The Bulrushes
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe added: “Today’s operation will continue up until 22:00”.
Earlier on Tuesday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visited Stilfontein.
