EIGHT illegal miners died when they were trapped underground after heavy rainfall.
The miners were digging for chrome at Ga-Maroga Village, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, when they were trapped on Friday, 6 January.
One South African, three Mozambicans and four Zimbabweans were digging when water pushed soil over the only exit.
Police were called on Saturday and on arrival, they found that community members had already dug a hole to access the miners and had started removing the bodies.
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Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said an inquest docket was opened and charges of contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal mining were being investigated.
“A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe warned community members not to mine illegally as it was dangerous and could land them behind bars.
“We have established a team to deal with illegal mining activities around the province, especially in areas around the R37 Road and in the Sekhukhune District.
“Many illegal miners have been arrested and mining equipment has been confiscated,” she said.
Meanwhile, police made a breakthrough in the kidnapping and murder of businessman Matea Ramatsemetse (48), who was murdered at Ntoane Village, outside Dennilton, in December 2020.
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A 36-year-old suspect was arrested in Soshanguve, Tshwane, on Friday, 6 January.
Matea and his family were asleep at home on Christmas Eve when three men entered their home.
They tied up the family and took an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery.
“They then forced Matea into his Toyota bakkie and drove away with him.
“His body was found with bullet wounds at 6am the next morning and the vehicle was later found abandoned at Tambo View,” said Mojapelo.
