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News24 reports that on Wednesday, Stilfontein residents were prevented by police from participating in rescue operations for a large group of illegal miners (zama zamas) at an abandoned mine shaft.
Community leader Johannes Qankase, who has been at the disused shaft site for weeks, raised concern after the police barred him and his team from entering shaft 11. Indicating that they merely wanted to "save our brothers trapped in the mine", Qankase went on to indicate: "We have been told not to enter the site anymore. Only emergency personnel are allowed near the shaft. The police have declared the site a crime scene. We have been locked out." North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone advised that that police have prevented community members from entering the site, confirming that it was a crime scene. More advanced rescue operations are underway with mechanical tools and harnesses being utilised. Previously, the miners were rescued by using rope. Qankase said they were proud of the 10 people they had already rescued and of an unidentified body that they had hauled up using only a rope. On Tuesday, volunteers sent a letter underground to the zama zamas informing them that help was on its way. In the letter, they were warned to stay at least 500 metres away from the shaft's entrance. But, according to Qankase, they did not get a response to the letter.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntwaagae Seleka at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
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