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The Operation in Sabie, Mpumalanga that was carried out at an abandoned mine called South Mine has been completed. The operation aimed at retrieving alleged illegal miners trapped underneath. The operation commenced on Tuesday, 03 December 2024 and was completed on Friday evening, 06 December 2024.
During the operation, a total of 153 alleged illegal miners were brought to the surface, with three bodies retrieved on Wednesday, 04 December 2024. No injuries were reported during the operation, both amongst the individuals brought to the surface and the law enforcement personnel involved.
The diverse team involved in the operation included stakeholders from a mining company, security companies, government departments such as the SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health (Emergency Medical Services), and the South African National Defence Force, among others.
Members of both electronic and print media captured every moment as the event unfold.
We are also pleased to announce that the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, accompanied by Divisional Commissioner: Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, and Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamotheti, and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi visited the site on 05 December 2024.
It is worth noting that amongst the 153 individuals brought to the surface, most are foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with some South Africans also included in the group.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his appreciation for the teamwork, professionalism and cooperation displayed during the operation. "The investigation into the illegal mining activities has already begun to ensure that justice is served. We plead with everyone to allow this team a space to conduct their investigation without being distracted and the public will be notified in due course meanwhile Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to be active to curb illegal mining activities in the province," said the General.