A deadly illegal mining operation at a dumping site in Nkaneng, near Rustenburg, has claimed the lives of 14 suspected illegal miners, prompting a police investigation into both the fatal incident and the authorisation of the company licensed to operate in the area.
North West Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Adams said the victims died after the walls of an excavated section collapsed while they were allegedly conducting illegal mining activities. The incident was reported to police at about 21:00 on Monday.
Preliminary investigations have established that Sastanzer Trading had been granted a permit to extract platinum group metals (PGMs) at the site. Adams said SAPS would verify the company’s authorisation and examine all relevant documentation to confirm that it was legally permitted to conduct mining operations there.
The deceased are all male suspected illegal miners, with their identities still being confirmed. Most are believed to be Lesotho nationals.
Eight survivors were rescued and taken to hospital. Three have since been discharged and detained for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act, while five remain in hospital under police guard.
An inquest docket has been opened as mine rescue teams continue searching the area amid concerns that additional illegal miners may still be trapped underground.
Adams described the incident as a tragic reminder of the life-threatening dangers associated with illegal mining.
