EMS update on the situation in Langlaagte
The Johannesburg Emergency Services were on Monday morning waiting for the mine shaft in Langlaagte to be declared safe before resuming rescue operations.
This after four illegal miners, known as Zama-Zamas, were rescued from the abandoned mine on Sunday.
EMS spokesperson Synok Matobako says they are waiting for a team of experts to check the level of toxic smoke emanating from an underground fire.
"The four miners who were brought to the surface yesterday are being monitored in hospital. They were severely dehydrated and so they need medical care," Matobako said.
Meanwhile the chairperson of the South African Mining Entrepreneurs Forum, Patrick Molophegi, expressed shock at the fact that the abandoned mine shaft is so accessible.
ALSO READ: Rescue operations at Langlaagte suspended
"We have submitted numerous proposal to the mines on how to deal with this matter but they say there is a lack of funding," Molophegi told Jacaranda FM News.
He added that they know funds are being allocated to deal with abandoned mines but that nothing is being done about the problem.
- Video by Maryke Vermaak