By Kaya 959 News
Eight out of 20 of the bodies found dumped in the North West earlier this month have been identified. Police said all the deceased are Lesotho nationals.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, said with the help of the Lesotho Consulate, eight of the deceased were positively identified.
The eight are; Moeletsi Moeletsi, Thabiso Mmone, Thele Sekara, Thabo Sekara, Selani Mafi, Tankiso Sello, Tshephang Pitso and Sempe Molapo.
She appealed to anyone who may have information regarding the incident to call Colonel Gaanakgomo at 082 568 5975 or SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App. The information will be treated with strictest confidentiality.
The bodies were discovered in two locations in Orkney just outside Klerksdorp earlier this month.
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Police make gruesome discovery
Police said the first five decomposed bodies were found outside an old and unused mine shaft ventilation in Lawrence Park.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said 14 more decomposed bodies were found along Ariston Road near the railway line in Orkney.
“While still processing the scene, the police received information that another body was discovered where the initial five bodies were found, thus bringing a total number to 20,” he said.
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. 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,” Mokgwabone said.
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.
