BENONI, Nigeria, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Twenty-four miners have been freed from an illegal gold mine in South Africa, while others refuse to come out for fear of being arrested, authorities said.
The miners were rescued Monday after spending two days trapped in the illegal mine, CNN reported.
About six miners remain in the mine because they feared being arrested, said rescuers from ER24 emergency medical service. A miner that left the mine was trying to persuade those remaining in the mine to come out.
Those who have been rescued received medical attention and then were taken into police custody, ER24 said.
The BBC reported that the men are believed to have become trapped Saturday when a rival group of miners stole some of their gold haul and then blocked a ventilation shaft being used to access the mine with rocks. Police heard the men's cries for help when patrolling the area Sunday.
