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More than 150 illegal miners have been rescued from an abandoned mine in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, police confirmed.
The rescue operation began earlier this week after three bodies were recovered on the first day. Most of the miners, reportedly foreign nationals, claim they were forced underground to search for gold.
A police spokesperson stated that the rescued miners have been arrested, and investigations into illegal mining activities in the region are ongoing. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola also revealed that officers are probing “allegations of human trafficking and forced labor in these mining operations.”
The dramatic rescue concluded Friday night when the final miner emerged from the disused shaft, blowing a whistle as army officers received him. Though visibly exhausted, he appeared relieved to have surfaced.
Authorities confirmed the operation in Mpumalanga is complete, but the site will remain under investigation before being shut down.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue at another abandoned mine in Stilfontein, south-west of Johannesburg. Authorities plan to deploy additional equipment on Monday to assist in freeing those still trapped underground.
Illegal mining remains a significant issue in South Africa, costing the economy millions in lost revenue. Mpumalanga has been identified as a hotspot for these activities, with General Masemola highlighting the region’s challenges in tackling the illicit trade.
