The police in Giyani are investigating the death of two illegal miners who died at an old unused mine between Xikukwani and Mavalane villages on the outskirts of Giyani today, September 22.

‘Police received reports that there are people trapped inside the mine, they reacted swiftly and the rescue operation ensued composed of the police and the local community,’ Col Moatshe Ngoepe said.

During the operation, they were removed. Two were already dead, according to Ngoepe.

Read: Giyani: Body of illegal miner placed next to the road

‘The one miner, that was still alive was taken to the hospital for medical attention,’ Ngoepe said.

The process of identifying one of the two deceased is still underway.

The second one was positively identified as Patson Mbhiza (33) and hails from Mavalani Village outside Giyani.

Read: Illegal Giyani miners remanded in police custody

The suspect that was arrested on a charge for illegal mining will appear before the Giyani Magistrate Court soon.

Police investigations are ongoing.

More in next weeks edition of Letaba Herald.