This was confirmed by Lesotho Consul General Selimo Thabane at a press briefing in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality chambers.

However, Thabane did not want to comment on allegations that there may be more bodies.

Thabane met with North West premier Job Mokgoro earlier, and indicated that on Friday he was informed and assured that there were 21 dead bodies of illegal miners – or zama-zamas - at this point.

Thabane said some of the zama-zamas are injured, but said he could not divulge further details at this stage.

Meanwhile, 10 of the 20 bodies have been positively identified.

They are Lesotho nationals. This was confirmed by Thabane.

Families are expected to continue with the identification of the bodies at Tshepong Hospital.

Furthermore, Thabane assured the North West Provincial Government that they will carry the responsibility of repatriating bodies.

Thabane said in the event that more bodies are identified, the Lesotho government will help to ensure they are returned back home.

The Lesotho government will carry the cost of the funerals, but each family will hold their respective funerals at their own homes.

The zama-zamas are said to have been operating an obsolete shaft.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng