These individuals were among 93 suspected illegal miners, known as zama zamas, whose bodies were retrieved from the mine between December and January. 

Authorities continue the identification process using DNA and fingerprint analysis.

The retrieval operation began on 3 December, when community volunteers, using a pulley system, brought the first nine bodies to the surface. This effort occurred in the early stages of Vala Umgodi, a nationwide police initiative to combat illegal mining.

Between then and 9 January, volunteers and law enforcement retrieved additional bodies and some survivors from the shaft. The operation was launched in response to the growing dangers of illegal mining in South Africa’s gold mines.

A court-mandated Mine Rescue Operation began mid-January following a High Court order on 10 January. The ruling, issued after an urgent application by Zinzi Tom – whose brother remains trapped underground – directed the government to enlist Mine Rescue Services. 

Between 13 and 15 January, 78 more bodies were recovered.

By the end of the operation, five suspected illegal miners who were hospitalised had succumbed to their injuries. Four were retrieved from Buffelsfontein Shaft 11, while one was brought up from Margaret Shaft.

Identification Efforts Continue

Authorities have relied heavily on DNA and fingerprint analysis to identify the deceased. From the 78 bodies recovered during the Mine Rescue Operation, 54 sets of fingerprints were obtained. So far, 10 bodies have been identified, including:

• 7 from Mozambique;
• 1from Zimbabwe;
• 1 from Lesotho; and
• 1 from South Africa.

DNA samples

To assist in identification, police have collected DNA samples from relatives of missing persons believed to be involved in illegal mining in the Khuma/Stilfontein area. Between 4 and 14 February, 45 DNA control samples were gathered: 

• 18 from Mozambique;
• 6 from Lesotho;
• 8 from Zimbabwe;
• 12 from South Africa; and
• 1 from Botswana.

Humanitarian and security challenges

Efforts to identify the remaining bodies continue, with cooperation from Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, said North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone.

“The working relationship between South Africa and these neighbouring countries remains critical in addressing the humanitarian and security challenges posed by illegal mining,” he said.

Authorities urge families with missing relatives who may have been involved in illegal mining to contact the Stilfontein Police Station for assistance.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh