About 150 illegal miners are believed to be trapped inside an abandoned mine in Sabie, near Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said three people were confirmed dead while another three who were rescued claimed they were forced to work and mine for gold by their captors under dangerous and dire conditions.
Mdhluli said the operation was discovered on Tuesday afternoon when members from the K9 of the security company were patrolling around the farms in the area when they encountered four men who appeared to be fleeing for their lives.
"These men, who were found to be suspected illegal miners, informed the security guards that they and others were trapped inside an abandoned mine," said Mdhluli.
Mdhluli said various units of the SAPS, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs, as well as two private security companies joined the operation.
He said two foreign nationals, aged 23 and 24, along with other four South Africans, were successfully rescued from the mine.
"According to the rescued individuals, they had been forced to work and mine for gold by their captors under dangerous and dire conditions. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives while trapped inside the mine shaft," said Mdhluli.
Mdhluli said it was believed that the ones running this illegal operation could possibly be heavily armed.
"This suspicion is further supported by a recent altercation on November 28, 2024, where alleged illegal miners attacked law enforcement officials, resulting in injuries to a K9 Unit Warrant Officer and the fatal shooting of three suspects," explained Mdhluli.
Meanwhile, the provincial acting police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, assured the public that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring the situation.
"All relevant stakeholders, including search and rescue teams, are currently at the scene, and visibility in the area has been increased to ensure the safety of the community," said Mkhwanazi.