The harrowing discovery of 93 bodies believed to be those of suspected illegal miners, or zama zamas, has prompted an extensive identification process in the North West province of South Africa. The bodies were retrieved from shaft No. 11 of the Buffelsfontein gold mine, highlighting the ongoing dangers associated with illegal mining in the region.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the retrieval of bodies commenced on 3 December 2024 and concluded on 15 January 2025. Community volunteers played a crucial role in the initial stages, using a pulley system to bring nine bodies to the surface between 3 December 2024 and 9 January 2025. The remaining 78 bodies were raised during an intensive Mine Rescue Operation from 13 to 15 January 2025, which aimed to safely recover the miners trapped in the dangerous conditions of the mine.
In a sad twist, five additional suspected illegal miners succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical treatment between 20 January and 12 February 2025. Of these, four were brought to the surface at Buffelsfontein shaft No. 11, while one was located at the nearby Margaret shaft.
In the wake of this tragedy, the identification process has begun in earnest. Following thorough post-mortem examinations, authorities have made progress: three of the initial nine bodies were successfully identified as being from Mozambique and returned to their grieving families. As part of the ongoing investigation, DNA samples have been collected from the 78 bodies retrieved during the Mine Rescue Operation. Additionally, 54 fingerprints from these bodies were obtained for comparison.
The identification efforts have already yielded results, with ten bodies recognised through previous arrests in South Africa. The deceased, many of whom were engaged in illegal mining activities, include seven Mozambican nationals, one individual each from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa.
Police are now appealing to the public for assistance. They urge anyone unable to locate their next of kin who may have been working in and around Khuma/Stilfontein to come forward. Thus far, the police have successfully collected 45 control DNA samples from relatives, comprising 18 from Mozambique, six from Lesotho, eight from Zimbabwe, twelve from South Africa, and one from Botswana.
This troubling incident not only highlights the perilous nature of illegal mining in the region but also underscores the urgency with which authorities must address the issue. As families await news of their loved ones, the community continues to reflect on the stark reality of lives lost in the pursuit of gold.
