South Africa dump site collapse kills 14 suspected illegal miners

South African police have launched an investigation after 14 suspected illegal miners died when a mine dump site collapsed on them on Monday night.

Illegal mining is rife in South Africa as miners, known in South Africa as "zama zamas" ("those who try their luck" in Zulu), try to eke out a living by digging in abandoned shafts or dump sites.

Regional police chief Lt-Gen Arthur Adams, who ed the scene on Tuesday morning, said that the dump site was being used to mine platinum and other metals by a local company.