By Thapelo Molefe
A major rescue operation to save hundreds of illegal miners trapped underground at the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein in North West has begun in earnest.
About 26 illegal miners have so far been brought out alive, and nine bodies have been recovered.
Hundreds of miners are expected to be resurface during the operation that was ordered by the Pretoria high court following an urgent application by a family member of one of the minersZinzi Tom.
For the first time, a rescue cage was sent down the mine shaft to facilitate the extraction of the miners.
The ministers of police and mineral resources are visiting the area on Tuesday to monitor the operation.
The mission comes after preparation and assessments by mine rescue experts.
Although a report last month highlighted significant risks, including toxic gases like methane and the presence of armed gangs underground, the operation has now entered its active rescue phase.
Mining expert Peter Major acknowledged the complexity of the undertaking saying lowering a swaying basket into unstable conditions was no small task.
He added that it was a high-risk mission, and those involved deserved recognition for their bravery.
Community leader Mandla Charles has volunteered to assist with operating the cage and descending into the mine.
While the government is not compensating him for his role, efforts are underway by NGOs to secure funding for his contribution.
“The company that is going to be paid R12 million doesn’t have the money to pay the people who actually do the work. We had to take the responsibility to pay them so that the rescue can commence,” General Industrial Workers Union of SA president Memetlwe Sebei said.
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