All the illegal miners who were trapped at a disused mineshaft in Sabie, South Mine in Mpumalanga, have been rescued. The operation to rescue the zama zamas started on Wednesday after the police found out about the miners being trapped underground at a disused mine on Tuesday afternoon.

ALL TRAPPED MINERS RESCUED

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said during the operation, a total of 153 alleged illegal miners were brought to the surface, with three bodies retrieved on Wednesday. "No injuries were reported during the operation, both amongst the individuals brought to the surface and the law enforcement personnel involved. The diverse team involved in the operation included stakeholders from a mining company, security companies, and government departments such as the SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, and the South African National Defence Force, among others," Mdhluli said.

MOST OF THEM ARE FOREIGN NATIONALS

Mdhluli added that among the 153 zama zamas brought to the surface, most are foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with a few being from South Africa. Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his 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. 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," s Mkhwanazi said.