Stilfontein illegal mining suspect dies in hospital
The North West Health Department has confirmed the death of a second illegal miner who was admitted at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital complex.
Jonny Shingani, was admitted to the facility ten days ago, following a rescue and recovery operation led by the Mine Rescue Service at the disused Buffelsfontein mine shaft.
Shingani died on Thursday due to what the department has described as a “medical-related condition”.
"From the three-day National Rescue Operation 246 suspected illegal miners were medically assessed by our healthcare professionals before being handed over to the police, while 33 had to be admitted, for further medical care, the total number of those that have passed on, from thirty-three admitted, is now two,” said the department’s spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi.
He added 14 others were discharged and handed over to the South African Police Service, after receiving treatment.
“Currently, the department only has 17 admitted patients from the Stilfontein’s extraction.”
Mathibedi said, in adherence to the National Health Act which emphasises the rights of patient confidentiality, they would (not) be offering details about the medical condition of patients who remain in hospital.
This comes as the Mining Affected Community United in Action (Macua) alleged inaccurate reporting on the suspects in need of medical treatment and further accused police and health officials of neglecting their medical needs while in detention.
“We have raised our concerns, via our legal representatives Lawyers for Human Rights, with the attorneys of the state and specifically with Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, that without an individual and comprehensive medical assessment of each detainee rescued from shaft 11, including laboratory analyses and radiological imaging, there is an imminent risk of severe health consequences, and even possible death. We have not received any feedback and are currently exploring other avenues.
“Those detainees who have been hospitalised have indications of serious and complex sequelae from months of starvation. These complications include metabolic, haematological, immunological, and infectious diseases,” wrote Macua’s advice officer Magnificent Mndebele.
The department also confirmed the death of Koali Rankomo earlier this week after he was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration.
ALSO READ:
