Illegal mining | Families want to retrieve bodies themselves

VIRGINIA - Families of miners trapped underground are confident they can retrieve the bodies themselves.

Mineral Resources, however, says it's too dangerous due to high methane levels.

But relatives of the dead Virginia miners say it will take them just two days.

READ: Illegal Mining | Possibility of more fatalities at Virginia mine

They came rushing from neighbouring Lesotho after hearing news of the explosion from a survivor who alerted the community.

The suspected zama zamas were killed in an explosion last month.

At least 27 people remain in the mine shaft and their families are asking for permission to bring their loved ones home.

READ: Illegal Mining | No hope of retrieving Free State miners' bodies anytime soon

Government is firm that nobody will be allowed to go back down.

Instead, the retrieval of the bodies looks set to be a slow and arduous process, much to families’ frustration.

* eNCA's Aviwe Mtila reports.