Mudslide leaves 8 illegal miners dead in Burgersfort
Limpopo police are investigating the deaths of eight illegal miners who were trapped underground at Maroga Village outside Burgersfort.
The miners, who were illegally mining chromite, became trapped on Friday amid heavy rain and mudslides.
Authorities only managed to retrieve the bodies on Sunday.
Limpopo police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo says a preliminary report suggests the miners may have suffocated.
"One South African, three Mozambicans and four Zimbabweans were allegedly busy with illegal mining activities when the water coming from heavy rains that fell in the area, apparently pushed the soil that blocked the only point they were using for entry and exit. They then apparently suffocated, a post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
"Charges in terms of the Immigration Act will also be preferred against the seven deceased as they were in the country illegally. A case of illegal mining will also be registered against all of them."
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