SAPS deploys specialised teams after 14 bodies recovered at North West mine

Ask AI 1minPolice deployed teams after 14 bodies were recovered from a mine in North West.

A total of 14 bodies were recovered from a disused mine in Nkaneng, Rustenburg, North West, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy additional specialised capacity to support ongoing rescue, recovery and investigative operations.

The deployment was ordered by Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane following the recovery of the bodies on Tuesday.

SAPS said the intervention was aimed at strengthening the North West provincial team with specialised expertise, resources and personnel to assist with the complex recovery and investigation.

Dimpane commended North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Adams and the specialised teams for their progress under 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.”

SAPS said eight survivors had also been located at the scene.

Arrangements are under way for the formal identification of the deceased and post-mortem examinations.

The SAPS Victim Identification Unit, detectives and forensic specialists are coordinating the process to establish the identities of the deceased and help determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is separately assessing the mining operation and the site’s compliance status.

SAPS said it was working with the DMRE and other stakeholders to assess the mine environment and gather information that could help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Dimpane has instructed investigators to remain focused on an evidence-led 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,” she said.

She also appealed to members of the public and social media users to refrain from speculation while the investigation continues.

“Where criminality is established, those responsible will be brought to justice,” Dimpane said.

SAPS said it appreciated the personnel and stakeholders involved in the operation and acknowledged the challenging conditions under which they continue to work.