A crisis is unfolding at an abandoned mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga, where approximately 150 illegal miners are reported to be trapped underground. Various police units, emergency medical services, and other responders have gathered at the site to assist. As of now, six miners have resurfaced, two of whom are foreign nationals, and four South Africans. The survivors have claimed that they were forced to mine gold under perilous conditions by their captors.
The situation comes on the heels of an earlier confrontation between police and alleged illegal miners in the area. Last week, a shootout occurred when police encountered these miners, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and the injury of a police officer.
According to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the police spokesperson, it is believed that some miners still trapped underground may be armed. The situation remains tense as authorities continue efforts to rescue those still trapped while managing the potential threat posed by the miners who are believed to be armed.
