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41 Illegal Miners Rescued from Sabie Mine, Operations Ongoing
December 6, 2024
At least 10 more illegal miners, known as zama zamas, were rescued from the abandoned mineshaft in Sabie on December 5, bringing the total number of those extracted to nearly 20 since operations began on December 4.
The captives, including a 17-year-old, were found in poor condition — famished, dirty, and exhausted. Rescue operations are ongoing, with mining activities reportedly taking place 150 meters underground.
Enhanced Rescue Efforts
The pace of rescues has improved due to the arrival of specialized equipment overnight. Multidisciplinary teams comprising soldiers, police, security guards, and a specialized unit are working tirelessly to locate and extract more trapped individuals.
High-Level Oversight
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola arrived at the scene, highlighting the extent of illegal mining in Mpumalanga, which he described as one of the most problematic provinces in South Africa. He noted that rescue efforts could continue for several more days.
Premier Mandla Ndlovu and Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi are also on-site, overseeing the operation and offering support to the teams.
Ongoing Challenge
The incident underscores the perils of illegal mining and the complexities of addressing it. With many captives still underground, the focus remains on safe and swift rescues while bringing those responsible to justice.
