Only 12 Stilfontein illegal mineworkers bodies identified

Community members watch as Senzo Mchunu, South African police minister, inspects outside the mineshaft where it is estimated that hundreds of illegal miners are believed to be hiding underground, after police cut off food and water as part of police operations against illegal miners, in Stilfontein, South Africa, November 15, 2024.

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Only 12 bodies of illegal mineworkers who died in abandoned mines in Stilfontein in the North West in the past few months have been positively identified by their families.

Seventy-eight bodies were brought to the surface in a combined effort by the community and a government-led retrieval operation.

The North West Department of Health says they have obtained DNA samples from all bodies as well as detailed photographic material with the hope that more bodies will be identified.

North West Health Department Spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi says time is running out for families to come forward.

Mothibedi says, ”The National Act 61 of 2003 combined with the Regulation 43 of Forensic Pathology Services means that if we have bodies in our facilities for over 30 days, the municipal council or government in this instance is allowed to also bury these bodies, but given the circumstances and the sensitivity of the case, we know that some of these people are coming from our neighboring countries, we’ve decided that we will put that process on hold, but from next month we’ll then begin the process of funeral, so as is, we have about 60 bodies in our facilities and we are working with our police services to ensure that our communities do come forward.”-Reporting by Gontse Sekhantso.