South Africa: Probe launched after 20 bodies found near goldmine

The deceased are thought to be illegal miners whose bodies were discovered near an abandoned mine in Orkney town.

South African police have launched an investigation into the deaths of 20 men whose bodies were discovered near an abandoned gold mine in the North West province. The bodies, some of which were badly decomposed, were found outside a mine shaft and near the railway tracks in Orkney, about 180km (111 miles) southwest of Johannesburg, according to the police statement issued on Wednesday. It also said the bodies “were found wrapped in white plastic bags” and bore “severe body burns”. An autopsy will be carried out, the statement added.