The task team led by North West Community Safety MEC Wessels Morweng has begun the first phase of the retrieval operation to bring suspected illegal miners to the surface in a Stilfontein mine.
Illegal miners are refusing to exit the previously rehabilitated Shaft 11 at the mine.
Yesterday, the mine rescue team assessed the shaft to see what equipment they needed before they started the retrieval operation.
The site is expected to be cleared first in the next few days before the official retrieval operation can begin.
The community stopped retrieving the illegal miners to allow the task team, that was appointed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, to take over.
