By Doreen Mokgolo
His first day of training as a miner turned into a near death experience for Thabang Sentle, a prospective zama zama from Lesotho.
During lessons on how to separate rocks from gold ore, the 34-year-old slipped, fell and was buried under a heap of rocks at the Daggafontein Old Shaft on Thursday morning.
His colleagues’ attempts to rescue him failed and police and rescue services were called to the scene.
He was finally pulled out of the rubble on Friday afternoon, badly injured and unconscious.
He was rushed to Pholosong Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
His older brother, Thabo Sentle, told Scrolla.Africa that his brother arrived in the country two months ago searching for employment.
“He tried his luck at the mines in Rustenburg but was unsuccessful. I invited him to come stay with me in Daggafontein, knowing that there are better opportunities for survival in the area,” he said.
He was shocked when he received a call from a neighbour informing him that his younger brother had been swallowed by the old shaft.
“As a former illegal miner, I know the dangers that come with being on top of the unstable heaps of rocks because one doesn’t know where there might be an opening. I genuinely feared for his life,” he said.
He said he is grateful that his brother survived the ordeal and is hoping that he will make it out of hospital.
A resident, Nontsikelelo Faku, said such accidents are common as unemployed youth in the area only survive by working at the abandoned shafts.
“Those with experience know the dangerous parts of the mines and where not to venture. They don’t have anything else to do but to work here,” she said.
Pictured above: Search and Rescue team trying to pull out illegal miners.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
