The South African government has taken a significant step towards rescuing illegal miners who remain trapped under a disused gold mine in the North West province. Following initial reluctance to provide assistance, the government has assembled a team of mine rescue experts to devise a plan for bringing the miners to the surface.
Earlier this week, authorities had implemented a strategy known as “Close the Hole” to compel the miners to emerge from the mineshaft, which involved cutting off their access to essential supplies. While estimates of the number of miners underground vary, recent police assessments suggest a figure closer to 350-400 individuals, significantly lower than initial reports of up to 4,000.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, leading a government delegation to the site, emphasized the dual objective of addressing the criminal activity of illegal mining while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the miners. Mchunu acknowledged the inherent risks of the rescue operation, given the depth of the mineshaft and the potential presence of weapons among the miners.
The rescue team, comprising mine safety experts, police, the army, and various government departments, is set to convene to formulate a comprehensive rescue plan. Notably, significant quantities of firearms, ammunition, cash, and uncut diamonds have been seized from illegal miners in recent operations.
Despite challenges, over 1,000 miners have managed to surface at different locations in the province, with reports indicating their dire physical condition due to prolonged underground stay without adequate provisions. Concerned family members have urged the government to expedite rescue efforts, with some community members taking matters into their own hands to extract miners.
Tragically, a decomposed body, believed to be one of the miners, was recovered on Thursday, prompting ongoing investigations into the cause of death and the individual's identity.
