JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Police said on Wednesday that three illegal miners died in an abandoned mine in Sabie, Nelspruit, capital of Mpumalanga Province in northeastern South Africa.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga confirmed that six miners, including two foreign nationals, have been rescued, while 150 remain trapped underground.

This was discovered on Tuesday afternoon as members of a security company were patrolling the area when they encountered four men who appeared to be fleeing the scene.

These men, who were found to be suspected illegal miners, informed the security guards that they were trapped inside an abandoned mine, according to the SAPS.

Those rescued claimed that they had been forced by their captors to work and mine for gold in dangerous and dire conditions.

Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, said they are monitoring the situation. "All relevant stakeholders, including search and rescue teams, are currently at the scene, and visibility in the area has been increased to ensure the safety of the community." Enditem

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