Stilfontien: Police deny claims Buffelsfontein Gold Mine rescue operation volunteer re-arrested

CAPE TOWN - Police have denied claims that a volunteer involved in Stilfontein's abandoned Buffelsfontein Gold Mine rescue operation has been re-arrested.  

This followed accusations from the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) alleging the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested Mzwandile Mkwayi to prevent him from speaking about the conditions underground.  

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Authorities have explained that Mkwayi, who has been on parole since 2021 for a murder conviction, was not arrested, despite violating his parole conditions.  

The alleged breaches include speaking to the media without permission and leaving his designated jurisdiction without notifying officials.  

SAPS has also clarified that after inspecting Shaft 10 at Buffelsfontein, no evidence of an explosion was found, contrary to the union's claims that the shaft had been bombed to prevent further rescue efforts.  

Earlier this week, 240 illegal miners and 78 bodies were recovered from the mine during a government-led operation to shut down an illicit mining network.  

The SAPS said it is engaging with its legal team to determine the next steps regarding the ongoing allegations.