Stilfontein rescue mission called off , 87 bodies

The rescue operation for suspected illegal miners, both alive and deceased, at the Buffelsfontein gold mine's Shaft 11 in Stilfontein has officially been called off. This decision comes after retrieving 246 alive zama zamas and 87 bodies between Monday and Wednesday. North West acting police provincial commissioner Major-General Patrick Asaneng announced on Thursday afternoon that the rescue mission led by the Mine Rescue Services (MRS) had concluded after confirming that no more bodies or people were inside the shaft. Asaneng stated that a crane was lowered into Shaft 11 to confirm it was empty. Phemelo speaks to Kaya News Reporter, Pitso Molemane North West Health Department Spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi Volunteer from Khuma in Stilfontein, Mzwandile Mkwayi and Mining Expert, David van Wyk.