Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the government has a plan to confirm whether or not the Stilfontein shaft is empty.

Mathe said however, that plan will not be open to the public.

ALL CLEAR 

Mathe's statement follows two volunteers who were sent underground saying there are no zama zamas remaining in the shaft.

"For now we can confirm that the cage for the mine rescue services has gone down the shaft to ascertain whether or not what was said by the volunteers yesterday is indeed true. However as government, we are still going to continue with operation Vala Umgodi," said Mathe.

Mathe said they've prepared counselling for the two volunteers that assisted with this particular operation.

POSITIVE RESULTS

Mathe explained that 1576 miners had gotten out by their own means between August and the start of the rescue operation. 

"All were arrested and 121 of them have already been deported. We've never blocked any shafts. We?ve never blocked anyone from coming out," said Mathe.

Mathe said most of the miners at Stilfontein were from Mozambique (1125), followed by Zimbabweans and Lesotho nationals, only 21 of them were South Africans.

Mine Rescue Services CEO Mannas Fourie said there is no indication of miners remaining underground in Stilfontein.

"This was indicated in the last two trips, one on Wednesday night, and the other on Thursday morning, with cameras and sound detectors not picking up anything," he said.