By Thapelo Molefe
A total of 142 illegal miners have been saved and 51 bodies recovered from an abandoned mine in Stilfontein in the North West over the last two days.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly since Monday.
On the first day, 35 miners were extracted, with nine confirmed dead. The second day brought both hope and sorrow as 107 miners were brought to the surface, 65 alive and 42 deceased.
The police have arrested 82 of the miners, who now face charges including illegal mining, trespassing and contravening the Immigration Act.
Two miners were further charged with the illegal possession of gold-bearing material after being caught with gold.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure confirmed that rescue operations would continue into the evening, with updates to follow daily.
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu visited the scene on Tuesday to assess the situation.
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