A total of 118 illegal miners have been rescued from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein since yesterday. This comes after the site was cleared over the weekend to make way for a Mobile Rescue Winder crane to help with the rescue mission, which is estimated to last 10 to 16 days. According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the 45-tonne crane can reach a depth of 3,000 metres underground.

TWO FOUND IN POSSESSION OF GOLD 

According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, on Monday, a total of 35 illegal miners were extracted and nine were deceased. As of this afternoon, 82 illegal miners were extracted from the mine shaft. "56 were found alive while 27 were deceased. All 82 that have been arrested are facing illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act charges,' Mathe said. She also said that out of the rescued miners, two were found in possession of gold. "They have also been charged with being in the illegal possession of gold-bearing material,' she said. Today's operation will continue until 10pm. 

POLICE INVESTIGATE CASES OF ABUSE AND FOOD DEPRIVATION 

In a joint statement between the SAPS and DMRE yesterday, the departments said once the zama zamas are extracted from the shafts, they will be inspected for any illegal items such as gold nuggets and illegal firearms."Those that require further medical care are taken to a health facility for further medical care, while those who are in good health are immediately detained,' the statement said. The police also said that following the deaths of the illegal miners, they are investigating allegations that the food that was sent down was allegedly limited and kept from the zama zamas. "The police will also investigate allegations of abuse and cases of assault, following videos that emerged from underground showing some illegal miners being beaten and tortured.' the joint statement said.