According to the illegal miners, they were initially lured with promises of legitimate employment only to discover upon arrival that they had been recruited into illegal mining operations.

Once underground they were informed that leaving was not an option. They are now under medical supervision.

One of the illegal miners who emerged today says desperation and hunger ultimately forced them to take the risk of coming to the surface.

“They told us it wasn’t a contract job and forced us underground at gunpoint. Now, they’re letting people come out because they’ve realised there’s no food or water left. When I surfaced, I saw one or two people who had died, possibly from hunger,” says one of those who have resurfaced.

--SABC--