A few days earlier, national police chief Fani Masemola also confirmed that officers were investigating “allegations of human trafficking and forced labor of resurgents” in these mining operations.
On Friday night, the last miner to leave the abandoned mine blew his whistle as he was received by army officers.
He looked exhausted, but couldn’t hide his relief after surfacing.
A police spokesman confirmed that the rescue operation at the Mpumalanga mine has been completed, however investigations will continue before the mine is closed.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts are still ongoing at another abandoned mine in Stillfontein, southwest of Johannesburg.
On Monday, authorities plan to deploy more equipment to help remove those still underground.
Illegal mining is widespread in South Africa, costing the economy millions in lost revenue.
General Masemola described Mpumalanga as a hotspot for such activities.
