Pixabay
A group of illegal miners in Mbombela were compelled to desperately dig up the bodies of their three counterparts after being trapped underground when a mine shaft caved in last weekend.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the group was conducting an unlawful mining operation at the abandoned Nestor gold mine in Sabie on Saturday.
He said the miners first dug up the bodies of the victims and brought them to the surface before reporting the matter to the police.
The men aged between 40 and 45 were certified dead following the arrival of medical officials on the scene.
Police have urged members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal activities as this might put their lives at risk.
An inquest has been registered and the investigation continues.
