As rescue operation unfolds for zama zamas, Masemola dubs Mpumalanga a 'hotspot'

JOHANNESBURG - In Mpumalanga, rescue operations continue at an abandoned mine in Sabie where hundreds of illegal miners remain underground

Officials have recovered the bodies of three miners during the operation while 13 others have emerged unharmed.

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Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says all those who have resurfaced are now in police custody.

Masemola was addressing the media at the shaft on Thursday afternoon, where he was conducting an oversight visit.

He added Mpumalanga is one of the hotspots for illegal mining in the country.

"Mpumalanga is just but one of the seven provinces which are considered hotspots for illegal mining. There have been Vala Mgodi teams deployed there to deal with such incidents"