Mining experts leading the Stilfontein rescue operation raise red flags

JOHANNESBURG - Mining experts leading the rescue operation at an abandoned Gold Mine in Stilfontein have raised several red flags in government’s plan to retrieve hundreds of illegal miners underground.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu made the revelation during a roundtable discussion with community leaders in Stilfontein.

READ: Mchunu in Stilfontein to hold roundtable discussion with community leaders and activists

His progress report to community leaders and activists comes hours after a closed-door meeting with a task team he appointed two weeks ago to drive the rescue mission.

Zama zamas refusing to resurface from the disused mine have been a headache for law enforcement for months on end.

READ: Stilfontein mine: Zama zamas who've resurfaced say unable to help police track down kingpins

To settle the impasse, Mchunu appointed a team of experts to pressure the illegal miners to resurface.

Mchunu said the report by the experts raises some concerns about the plan.