By Thapelo Molefe
Rescue operations at the abandoned Stilfontein mine, where hundreds of illegal miners were trapped, have come to an end after no further signs of life were detected on Thursday.
Since Monday, 246 miners have been rescued and 78 bodies retrieved from the North West mine.
Mine Rescue Services CEO Mannas Fourie confirmed that a final sweep of the shafts found no additional survivors or bodies in shaft 11.
“Last night, we came out with the last cage and confirmed that all the people have been taken out,” said Fourie.
“This morning, we conducted a final sweep to ensure no one who may have been unaware of the operation remained underground, but no signs of movement or life were detected.”
Advanced equipment, including cameras and sound detectors, were used to survey the mine, reaching depths of over 2100m. Fourie reported that the only visible remnants were discarded miners’ cap lamps and water at the lowest levels.
While the rescue phase winds down, attention now turns to recovery and closure efforts.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe emphasised that authorities would remain on-site as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, which was aimed at combating illicit mining and preventing further unauthorised access to the shaft.
“We will leave only once this hole is sealed and rehabilitated,” Mathe stated.
“Leaving prematurely would risk the reoccupation of the mine, leading to a repeat of this tragic situation.”
Mathe added that a decision on formally ending the rescue operation lay with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and other stakeholders.
At the scene, Zimbabwe Consul-General Eria Phiri highlighted the consulate’s role in supporting efforts to identify and assist survivors and the deceased.
“Our major responsibility in this case is the identification, verification and profiling of individuals involved,” Phiri explained.
“We will start with the verification and identification of the 465 (Zimbabweans) who were rescued alive, using their information to establish who among them is Zimbabwean and who might still be unaccounted for.
“For those who perished, we will coordinate with our head office to ensure their repatriation so they can receive a dignified burial in Zimbabwe. We are taking this step by step, as most of the deceased were undocumented, which makes the process more complex.”
North West Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng confirmed that local authorities were collaborating with international consulates to ensure proper identification and accountability.
The police have requested assistance from the embassies of Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Mozambique to identify the bodies retrieved from Shaft 11.
“Following international protocols, we are working with consulates, including Zimbabwe, to assist in identifying mortal remains and survivors,” said Asaneng.
“The Zimbabwean consulate is helping to verify identities, as many of those trapped or deceased were undocumented and entered the country illegally.
“A team from the consulate will assist in profiling the survivors and deceased to better understand the situation and provide closure for their families,” Asaneng added.
North West SA National Civic Organisation spokesperson Mzukisi Jam reported a higher death toll than previously confirmed, stating that 78 bodies had been retrieved from the shaft by rescue teams, but an additional 11 bodies were recovered independently by volunteers using ropes.
“The total number of deaths is already more than 109,” said Jam.
“Our volunteers have also confirmed that at shaft number 10, there are more bodies, but it is challenging for the crane or cage to reach that area to retrieve them. This means the true number of fatalities may still increase.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance said it had delivered an official letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the disaster.
The DA’s James Lorimer emphasised the need for a full and transparent investigation into the causes and consequences of the crisis.
“The mine has become the site of a devastating humanitarian catastrophe… A comprehensive inquiry is essential to uncover the failures of government agencies, the role of the private sector and the impact of illegal mining on the community and mine operations,” he said.
Labour unions and community members have described the Stilfontein crisis as the worst state-sponsored massacre since the end of apartheid.
Community leader Thembile Botman criticised the government’s approach, saying that Operation Vala Umgodi intentionally forced miners into a life-threatening situation.
“These people didn’t die because of illegal mining. They died because of government actions. Section 11 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and dignity, and these people were denied both,” Botman said.
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