The operation to rescue miners trapped underground, which began on Monday, was confirmed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement issued Wednesday evening.
All 246 survivors were arrested after being brought to the surface.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told Xinhua that the operation might not yet be over, despite volunteers suggesting there are no more survivors or bodies underground.
The Mine Rescue Service plans to send equipment underground Thursday to confirm the situation. Updates from SAPS are expected following this assessment.
Illegal mining has been a persistent issue at Stilfontein since August 2024, with over 1,500 miners arrested in previous incidents.
Many of these miners are foreign nationals, often working in abandoned mines to extract gold.
IGIHE
