Rescue operations at Langlaagte suspended

Four illegal miners were brought to the surface on Sunday after a rock fall at the mine shaft.

According to police spokesperson, Kay Makhubela, they suspect that more illegal miners are trapped underground after a rock fall at the mine shaft.

"We understand that there are still more people trapped underground and we are investigating a case of illegal mining," Makhubela said.

He added that they are not sure how many illegal miners, also known as Zama-Zamas, are still trapped underground.

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Makhubela said that the four who were rescued yesterday were taken to a nearby hospital and received treatment under police guard.

"There are people trapped, still. We are not sure how many but those four who were rescued indicated to us that there are more people down there," Makhubela told Jacaranda FM News.

Meanwhile the minister of Mineral resources, Mosebenzi Zwane will visit the mine later on Monday.

Officials from the minister's department were present at the rescue operations on Sunday, to give regular updates to the minister.