Johannesburg - The body of a deceased zama zama was brought to the surface at the disused mine at George Harrison Park in Langlaagte during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Gauteng police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubele confirmed this, adding that another miner brought up late on Monday night remains in hospital in critical condition. “The miner became unwell after he tried to rescue the miner who died.
“He was brought up to the surface last night and taken to Helen Joseph hospital,” he said.
“The deceased miner was a 32-year-old man. A docket has been opened and investigations will continue,” Makhubele said speaking at the scene on Tuesday morning.
He said that police were still waiting to hear from the Mine Rescue Teams about the way forward.
Makhubele added that seven illegal miners have been arrested at the scene since Sunday. “Three were arrested yesterday and four were arrested on Sunday.”
When The Star arrived at the mine, the gates of George Harrison Park remained locked.
Despite rescue efforts being halted at this stage, The Star spoke with one of the illegal miners who insisted that there were still two more trapped. “They (the authorities) are saying everyone has been brought up but there are still two not accounted for.
“They're still down there,” he said
“They must look for them, they must help us. We can't leave them there. If the rescuers don't go, we will,” he insisted.
Joburg Emergency Services spokesman Synok Matobako was able to confirm that the search had been stopped during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“The rescue team were unable to go in further as it looked like they'd come up against a dead end. The miners insisted there were two more trapped miners but the team was unable to find anyone,” he said, adding that they were awaiting instructions from the Department of Mineral Resources.
At the time of publication, the department was unavailable for comment.
Sangomas arrived at the scene on Tuesday morning to perform a ritual of thanks for those who were rescued but also to pray for the two miners still trapped. “The snake and spirit told us that more people will come out today,” one sangoma said.
Traditional healers are performing a ritual of thanks and prayer for the miners still trapped. #TrappedMiners pic.twitter.com/a6w4kqzXQJ
— Ilanit Chernick (@LanC_02) September 13, 2016
A family member of one of the two said she was hoping the rescue workers would continue looking for her relative. “I hope he's alive. They must help us.”