Friends and family members of the illegal miners who are still trapped underground have accused rescuers of being reluctant to save their lives.

It is estimated that close to 50 illegal miners‚ popularly referred to as “zama zamas”‚ have been trappedin an old shaft of Johannesburg’s oldest gold mine at Langlaagte since last Wednesday

Illegal mining in the area has been going on for years despite it being just a few metres away from Langlaagte Police Station.

The shaft in which the zama zamas are trapped has been engulfed by fumes of gas‚ and there have been reports that some sections are on fire.

Zibi Njayo‚ who confessed to have on numerous occasions being underground‚ criticised the rescuers for inaction.

“All that is required is for them to put on gas masks; they turned back when they reached an area before the actual shaft‚” she said.

He also challenged reports that rescuers on Sunday brought three zama zamas to the surface — “They found those people crawling back from that dangerous area; those people did not require to be rescued‚ they were on their way back already‚” he said.

Sophia Mthambo‚ whose brother is among those trapped underground‚ blamed the fighting between different groups underground.

“There are groups which are armed and dangerous underground‚ and it could be because of their fighting that might have led to this situation‚” she said.

Police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubela said police were on the scene to arrest people who mine illegally. – TMG Digital