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TMG Digital reports that friends and family members of illegal miners trapped underground in a disused Langlaagte mine have accused rescuers of reluctance to save their lives.
It is estimated that nearly 50 illegal miners, or zama zamas‚ have been trapped in a shaft of Johannesburg’s oldest gold mine since last Wednesday. The shaft in which they are trapped is full of gassy fumes, and some sections are reportedly on fire. Zibi Njayo‚ who admitted he had often been underground‚ accused rescuers of inaction, saying: "All that is required is for them to put on gas masks. They turned back when they reached an area before the actual shaft." He disputed reports that rescuers brought three zama zamas to the surface on Sunday and claimed they were themselves on their way back. The sister of another trapped illegal miner said: "There are groups which are armed and dangerous underground. Their fighting might have led to this situation."
- The original of this report by Kingdom Mabuza is at BDLive
- See too, Illegal miners vow to go underground to 'search' for loved ones, at SABC News
- And also, Brief standoff between police and families of illegal miners at Langlaagte, at eNCA
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page