-
Illegal miners leave one of the entrances to a disused mine.
Residents of Khuma near Klerksdorp in the North West have urged government to assist them in the rescue of suspected illegal miners who are trapped underground.
About 50 community members have volunteered to rescue the miners.
They are planning to use a rope to pull them out as they are weak because of a lack of water and food.
Residents estimate that around 4500 suspected illegal miners are still underground.
One resident says, “I have since spoken to them (government) three months ago. So, we are asking as the community that the government assist us to have our people back.”
Another says, “We are asking government even the president to assist us as his volunteers fighting for the government. So we are asking President Ramaphosa wherever you are please assist us we are in pain.”
Earlier, Stilfontein residents said they are resuming their rescue efforts to help retrieve trapped illegal miners underground.
VIDEO |Concerns grow for those trapped underground in Stilfontein:
