A total of 78 bodies were recovered during a comprehensive four-day rescue operation from Monday, 13 January. 

Meanwhile, 246 survivors – many in a severely emaciated and disoriented state – were brought to the surface.

The identification process continues with efforts dating back to February 4, said North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone. While 35 bodies have been identified, the identification process is ongoing, and further updates are expected as DNA samples continue to be analysed.

‘Advanced state of decomposition’

Authorities are collecting DNA samples from individuals who suspect that the bodies recovered in the Stilfontein mine could be their missing family members, said Mokgwabone. Once these samples are collected, they are sent to forensic laboratories for analysis to confirm identities. 

Some of the 78 bodies were found to be in an advanced state of decomposition, making identification challenging.

“We are standing at 35 at the moment,” Mokgwabone said. “We started with the identification process on the 4th of February, and as of (Thursday), we were at 35. 

“But we are continuing even today. We’ll take it day by day to see what will unfold after today’s process.”

Seven of the 78 had prior arrests on record, though their families have not yet been located. Police have urged anyone who suspects that their missing family members may have been involved in illegal mining activities, or “zama zama” operations, in the Stilfontein area, to come forward.

Families wishing to identify their loved ones may visit the Stilfontein site on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 08:00 and 15:00.

Mokgwabone said before DNA samples are taken, families must bring identification documents for interview purposes with the police investigation team.

“We urge people who suspect that their next of kin or family members may have disappeared or worked as zama zamas around Stilfontein to come forward. As they do so, they must bring along their identification documents. Before the DNA process, they will be interviewed by our investigation team,” he added.

A total of 93 bodies of zama zamas are in the state mortuary. This includes the nine bodies initially retrieved using a pulley system, the 78 bodies recovered in the rescue operation, and those who died in hospitals following the operation.

Families from Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Botswana

The last major arrest of illegal miners occurred the previous week when seven individuals were apprehended at the Margret Shaft, said Mokgwabone, adding police were disappointed over the small number of people who have come forward for the identification process so far but they remain hopeful that more will come forward.

Families from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, and within the borders of South Africa have come forward for identification processes.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi