Sabie – The operation to rescue illegal miners trapped underground at the abandoned “South Mine” in Sabie, near Mashishing (previously known as Lydenburg) in Mpumalanga, has successfully concluded, with at least 153 individuals safely brought to the surface.
This week, a security officer raised the alert after discovering the illegal miners stuck underground.
The rescue mission at the deserted South Mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga, is now complete.
According to police reports, most of the rescued illegal miners, often referred to as Zama Zamas, are foreign nationals hailing from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
The operation began on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and was finalized by Friday evening, December 6, 2024.
“Throughout the operation, a total of 153 suspected illegal miners were rescued, and three fatalities were recovered on Wednesday, December 4, 2024,” stated Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the rescued individuals or the law enforcement personnel involved.”
The rescue team consisted of members from a mining company, security firms, the South African Police Service (SAPS), along with the Departments of Home Affairs and Health (Emergency Medical Services), and the South African National Defence Force.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed appreciation for the teamwork, professionalism, and cooperation displayed throughout the operation.
“An investigation into the illegal mining activities has already begun to ensure that justice is served,” the General noted.
“We call upon everyone to allow this team the necessary space to conduct their investigation without disturbance; updates will be provided in due time. In the meantime, Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to actively address illegal mining activities in the province.”
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, also visited the site during the rescue efforts.
“It is crucial to highlight that further resources are needed to rescue any additional illegal miners,” General Masemola indicated.
“We are currently assessing what can be done and what resources are essential to save lives.
“Mpumalanga is among the seven provinces identified as hotspots for illegal mining activities.”
General Masemola was accompanied by the Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, the Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, and General Mkhwanazi.
