Over 150 people rescued from Mpumalanga gold mine

More than 150 illegal miners have been rescued from an abandoned mine in South Africa’s eastern Mpumalanga province.

Police say three bodies were recovered on the first day of the rescue operation earlier this week.

Most of those rescued, reportedly foreign nationals, claim they were forced underground against their will to search for gold.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the miners have been arrested, and an investigation into illegal mining activities in the area is ongoing.

A few days earlier, national police chief Fanny Masemola also confirmed that authorities were “investigating allegations of human trafficking and forced labor in these mining operations that have resurfaced”.

On Friday night, the last miner to emerge from the disused shaft whistled as Army officials welcomed him.

He looked tired but could not hide his relief after coming to the surface.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the rescue operation at the Mpumalanga mine has now been completed, although investigations will continue before the site is closed.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts are still underway at another abandoned mine in Stilfontein, south-west of Johannesburg.

Authorities planned to deploy more equipment on Monday to help rescue people trapped underground.

Illegal mining is widespread throughout South Africa, causing millions in lost revenue to the economy.

General Masemola has described Mpumalanga as a hotspot for such activities.