Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the mine rescue team that have been approached by government to assist to bring illegal miners in Stilfontein in the North West back to the surface is ready to start with their work.

Mchunu, who was addressing community members, says they will most probably start their work next week.

He emphasized that despite the shortcomings identified in Operation Vala Umgodi against illegal miners, the operation will not be stopped.

“Operation Vala Umgodi will continue, but we will now have these elements that we have identified and spoken about. We need to correct those omissions that were made right at the time that this thing was conceptualised. What are those [omission ]…? We need to address the socioeconomic challenges around derelict mines, we need to correct that. We need to correct what was pointed out that there was not sufficient consultation,” adds Mchunu.

Stilfontein Mine | Mchunu briefs the media: