Khuma resident’s hopeful about the retrieval operation at Stilfontein

Residents of Khuma near Stilfontein in the North West are still hopeful that a government-assisted retrieval operation will start soon.

A front loader was sent to shaft eleven to clear the site before heavy machinery that would be used to retrieve workers are brought in.

Hundreds of illegal miners are suspected to be still underground.

Community leader Johannes Qankase says, “We have just received information from the Colonel who is heading the operation that the guys have come in the site, they are going to clear the site so that they create a stand for the crane to start retrieving people. But our team was here in the morning. We are ready with our team that’s why we said we just going to hold our people to not work today, as you can see that it’s very dangerous.”

“You cannot work while there is a big machine working. But we can even see that some of the rocks that we are using for the rope have been removed. But we don’t have a problem we are just happy. But we just trust and hope that they will fast-track it because every day that passes the person dies underground. So, we are very happy there is progress from government that said will bring the crane.”

Local resident Zinzi Tom whose brother is still underground says the festive season is not the same without him.

“I will say I hate 2024 because this has been a very hectic time. We didn’t even enjoy. It was kind of us mourning because we were wondering if we are celebrating, is he still alive. What’s happening about him. So, it’s been a sad moment not enjoying this festive at all. And it’s the first Christmas not being with him. So, it’s a very sad moment for us.”

 Khuma, Stilfontein | Khuma residents await retrieval operation