Stilfontein rescue mission called off , 87 bodies

Loading player...
The rescue operation for suspected illegal miners, both alive and deceased, at the Buffelsfontein gold mine's Shaft 11 in Stilfontein has officially been called off. This decision comes after retrieving 246 alive zama zamas and 87 bodies between Monday and Wednesday. North West acting police provincial commissioner Major-General Patrick Asaneng announced on Thursday afternoon that the rescue mission led by the Mine Rescue Services (MRS) had concluded after confirming that no more bodies or people were inside the shaft. Asaneng stated that a crane was lowered into Shaft 11 to confirm it was empty. Phemelo speaks to Kaya News Reporter, Pitso Molemane North West Health Department Spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi Volunteer from Khuma in Stilfontein, Mzwandile Mkwayi and Mining Expert, David van Wyk.
16 Jan 2025 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Legal Analysis: ANC faces court battles on multiple fronts

Phemelo gets legal analysis from legal expert Bophelo Seleke on the ANC’s Fikile Mbalula and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma defamation case, the NPA’s withdrawal of charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and the ANC’s court battle with the IEC over candidate list submissions.
15 Sep 3PM 14 min

Ekurhuleni killings: eighth woman’s body recovered

Police have confirmed the recovery of an eighth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, as fears grow over a series of killings in the region. One suspect has been arrested and another is being sought, with police offering a R400,000 reward for information. Phemelo speaks to Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee.
15 Sep 3PM 11 min

MK Party’s Bongani Baloyi eyes Joburg top job

Phemelo is joined by MK Party Johannesburg mayoral candidate Bongani Baloyi to unpack the party’s plans for the city. Baloyi became South Africa’s youngest executive mayor when he was appointed at 26 in 2013, serving as Midvaal mayor.
14 Sep 4PM 51 min

DALRO extends deadline for emerging visual artists

Emerging and developing South African visual artists now have until 18 September to apply for the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award. The programme offers mentorship, professional development and residencies to help artists build sustainable careers, with 10 finalists set to be selected. Phemelo speaks to DALRO Managing Director Laz…
14 Sep 4PM 9 min

South Africans see stagnation, but young people still hold on to hope

South Africa’s latest Indlulamithi Barometer shows 72% of indicators point to continued economic stagnation, while younger South Africans remain more hopeful about the country’s future. The perception survey also found that 52% expect the country to move towards the Vulture Culture scenario, characterised by populist politics and state capture. Phemelo…
14 Sep 3PM 9 min