Three illegal miners have reportedly died while about 150 are said to be trapped underground at an abandoned mine in Sabie, outside Mbombela in Mpumalanga. According to the police, six zama zamas already resurfaced.

DISCOVERED BY POLICE PATROLLING THE AREA

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said that they found out about the zama zamas being trapped underground at a disused mine yesterday afternoon by security guards who were patrolling around the farms in the area. "They encountered four men who appeared to be fleeing from the area. The men, who were found to be suspected illegal miners, informed the security guards that they and others were trapped inside an abandoned mine," Mdhlui said. 

He also said that police officers assigned to Operation Vala Umgodi were immediately dispatched to the scene while various units of the SAPS, EMS, the Departments of Health and Home Affairs, as well as two private security companies and landowners' plantation companies, are at the scene helping the miners. 

THEY WERE FORCED TO DIG FOR GOLD

He said two foreign nationals, aged 23 and 24, along with four other South Africans, were successfully rescued from the mine. "According to the rescued individuals, they had been forced to work and mine for gold by their captors under dangerous and dire conditions. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives while trapped inside the mine shaft," he said, adding that they believe that the kingpins running the illegal operation could be heavily armed. Last week, three zama zamas were fatally shot during an exchange of fire with the police in the area. A police officer was also shot and injured during the shootout. Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring the situation. "All relevant stakeholders, including search and rescue teams, are currently at the scene and visibility in the area has been increased to ensure the safety of the community," said Mkhwanazi.