Only 12 Of 78 Bodies From Stilfontein Mine Identified

Only 12 bodies of illegal mine workers, who had died in abandoned mines in Stilfontein in North West, have been positively identified by their families.

Seventy-eight bodies were brought to the surface in a combined effort by the community and a government led retrieval operation.

Months after the bodies of 78 illegal mineworkers were retrieved and despite intensified efforts to identify them. all 66 bodies are still unclaimed in mortuaries across the province.

The Department of Health Spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi has encouraged those, who might have family members who they cannot account for, to step forward.

The National Act 61 of 2003 combined with the regulation 43 of forensic pathology services, it means that if we have bodies in our facilities for over 30 days, the municipal council or government in this instance is allowed to also bury these bodies. But given the circumstances and the sensitivity of the case, we know that some of these people are coming from our neighboring countries, weve decided that we will put that process on hold. But from next month, well then begin the process of funerals. So as is, we have about 60 bodies in our facilities and we are working with our police services to ensure that our communities do come forward Mothibedi says.