In a tragic development, six additional bodies were retrieved from a South African mine on the second day of rescue operations, as reported by Sanco, a national coalition of NGOs. The operation is aimed at saving numerous illegal miners, known as “zama zamas,” believed to be trapped over 2km beneath the surface in Stilfontein, located 145km southwest of Johannesburg.
Rescue efforts have seen some success, with eight individuals rescued on Tuesday following the extraction of 26 survivors the previous day. These miners were brought to the surface via a crane-operated cage from the abandoned mine shaft. However, the grim reality of the situation was underscored by the recovery of nine bodies on Monday.
The crisis began when law enforcement initiated a crackdown on illegal mining activities across South Africa last year, leading to the miners seeking refuge deep underground. A court order last week finally compelled the government to expedite a rescue operation that had been significantly delayed, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Authorities had previously adopted a stringent approach, cutting off food and water to the miners in an attempt to force them out. This was publicly acknowledged by a government minister in November who declared, “We are going to smoke them out,” signaling a harsh stance on the issue.
Since the onset of this government crackdown, reports suggest that over 100 miners have perished underground, though these figures await official confirmation. The dire circumstances were brought to light through recent videos, which, while not verified by the BBC, depict the harrowing conditions faced by those trapped. One video showed bodies in makeshift shrouds, while another revealed the severely malnourished state of some survivors.
Despite the rescue efforts, it is estimated that hundreds of miners remain underground, with over 1,000 having emerged in recent months. A video released by the General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa) union captured the plight of dozens of shirtless men on a grimy floor, their faces obscured for privacy. A voice off-camera pleaded for assistance, emphasizing the dire need for food and aid due to starvation.
Giwusa’s President, Mametlwe Sebei, during a press briefing near the rescue site, condemned the situation as a “Stilfontein massacre,” criticizing the government’s approach as “treacherous” and intentional. The Department of Mineral Resources, overseeing the rescue, detailed the mechanics of the operation, involving a cage capable of carrying six to seven individuals, depending on their weight, which is lowered and raised hourly.
This unfolding tragedy not only sheds light on the perilous conditions of illegal mining but also underscores the urgent need for humane intervention and policy reform in dealing with such crises.
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