Leader of residents that have volunteered to retrieve suspected illegal miners at shaft 11 in Stilfontein in the North West, says they have halted their operation.
Thembile Botman says this is to allow mine rescue personnel to assess and clear the shaft.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu accompanied by Defence Deputy Minister Richard Hlophe visited the area last week.
A task team led by Community Safety MEC Wessels Morweng was formed to retrieve the suspected illegal miners that are underground.
Botman explains, The communication is that they must move away from the wriggles. A wriggle is where they come out to be saved. So, because those stones might make the mine close them down it means they must run away. So, as the rescue team we must also say the presentation is not guaranteed, they cannot close them down in the shafts.
