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[FILE IMAGE]: Residents look on as SAPS members go on a manhunt of Zama Zamas in Kagiso.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu together with representatives of the Defence Ministry, are expected to visit the Stilfontein area near Klerksdorp in the North West tomorrow.
This comes after residents took it upon themselves to rescue what they say are about 4,500 illegal miners underground at a shaft in Stilfontein.
One body was retrieved today while five people were brought to the surface yesterday.
It’s believed the miners have been underground for several months without food and water.
Spokesperson for the Police Ministry Kamogelo Mogotsi the visit seeks to engage law enforcement agencies on the ground.
“The visit comes amid ongoing efforts by the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), under Operation Vala Umgodi, to ensure that illegal miners who are still underground return to the surface safely. Despite multiple calls, numerous illegal miners have yet to resurface. The visit seeks to interact and engage law enforcement agencies on the ground, engage the North West government and mining leadership, including other relevant stakeholders and to further assess progress on the ground, challenges and work out appropriate responses. The visit will further reinforce government to uphold law and order, and stop any unlawful activity,” says Mogotsi.
VISIT | Volunteers rescue illegal miners in Stilfontein: Thabiso Moss updates
