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Police have opened inquest dockets after the bodies of 20 unidentified men were found at two locations in Orkney this week.
North West police said the first five decomposed bodies were found at approximately 19:00 on Tuesday outside an old and unused mine shaft in Lawrence Park, Orkney.
On Wednesday, 14 more decomposed bodies were found along Ariston Road near the railway line in Orkney, while another body was found at the first scene, bringing the total to 20.
“All the deceased are suspected to be illegal miners commonly known as “zama zamas” operating in obsolete shafts in Orkney and Stilfontein. Furthermore, the deceased suffered severe body burns,” SAPS said in a statement.
As part of investigations, post-mortems will be conducted to determine a cause of death for these men whose bodies were found wrapped in white plastic bags.
“Investigation into the matter continues and it includes the possibility of linking the incident with the video that was circulated on social media platforms wherein a man calling himself “Mafifi” was seen pleading for assistance following an apparent smoke inhalation occurrence at shaft number six.”
Police are appealing to anyone who may have more information on the incident to call the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
