The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lt General Puleng Dimpane, has deployed additional specialised capacity to support and enhance ongoing rescue, recovery and investigative operations at the disused mine in Nkaneng, Rustenburg.
This follows the recovery of 14 bodies on Tuesday, who, according to police, died when the walls of an excavated area they were digging in, caved in. Scores others have been injured, while rescue operations continue.
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“The deployment forms part of the SAPS National Office’s intervention to reinforce the capacity of the North West province and ensure that the complex operation is supported by specialised expertise, resources and personnel required to effectively manage the investigation and recovery efforts,” the police said in a statement.
Dimpane has commended the Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Adams and specialised teams for the progress made thus far, particularly following the recovery of the 14 bodies and the location of eight survivors at the scene.
“I commend the teams on the ground for the progress achieved under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.
“The recovery of the 14 bodies is a significant development in this operation, but it also underscores the seriousness and complexity of the circumstances we are dealing with.
“The deployment of additional specialised capacity is intended to strengthen the North West province and ensure that every aspect of this operation is approached with the necessary professionalism, expertise and sensitivity.
“Arrangements are underway for the formal identification of the deceased and the conducting of post-mortem examinations.
“The SAPS Victim Identification Unit, detectives and relevant forensic specialists are coordinating these processes to establish the identities of the deceased and assist in determining the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” said Dimpane.
Dimpane said the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is conducting an assessment of the mining operation and the compliance status of the site. SAPS is working closely with the department and other relevant stakeholders to assess the mine environment and gather information that may assist in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dimpane has further urged all members of the investigation team to remain focused on evidence-led investigations in resolving and concluding this complex investigation.
“Our responsibility is not only to establish what happened, but to do so through a thorough, lawful and evidence-driven process. We owe this to the deceased, their families and the broader community.
“At the same time, we must ensure that the integrity of the investigation is protected. We, therefore, appeal to the public and social media to refrain from speculation and allow the investigators to follow the evidence. Where criminality is established, those responsible will be brought to justice.”
SAPS extends its appreciation to all personnel and stakeholders involved in this difficult operation and recognises the challenging conditions under which they continue to work. – SAnews.gov.za
