Some teens arrested in Stilfontein say they were deceived into working underground

STILFONTEIN - Some of the teens who resurfaced from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein on Thursday said they were lured underground under false pretences.

A 19-year-old and two 16-year-old boys were among 17 zama zamas arrested at different shafts in the area, as part of police's clamp down on illegal mining.

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They are expected to face a range of charges, including trespassing and the contravention of the Immigration Act.

The trio have also added to claims that they were deprived of food and water by heavily armed guards, who cracked the whip underground.

A Mozambican teen said he feels deceived by his uncle, who he said led him to a life of suffering.

"My uncle told me we were going to look for work but when we got to South Africa, he told me we were going to work at the mines. I told him I didn't want to go underground, I told him my mom wouldn't approve but he told me it was too late, there was no turning back. The Basotho bosses had guns and also told me I had to work."