Police say allegations of inadequate medical care for miners in custody are false, following death of one rescued miner in North West hospital.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed claims of unfair treatment of rescued Stilfontein miners, as the number of those receiving hospital care under police guard has increased to 32.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said officers conduct daily inspections of holding cells, ensuring miners needing medical attention are transferred to local hospitals. The number of hospitalized miners rose from nine on January 13 to 32 by January 21.
The statement follows the death of Koali Rankomo at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital. North West Health Department spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi confirmed Rankomo was treated for gastroenteritis and dehydration.
“The narrative that illegal miners are not receiving adequate medical care is thus refuted and devoid of truth,” Mathe said. She emphasized SAPS is working closely with the Department of Health to provide healthcare to miners in custody.
The Department of Health confirmed it is currently treating 32 suspected illegal miners under police guard at its facilities.
