In a somber development from South Africa, rescuers have recovered six additional bodies from a disused mine where illegal miners have been trapped. Alongside these recoveries, eight individuals were rescued on Tuesday, adding to the growing number of those brought to safety. With increasing scrutiny on the dangerous conditions of illicit mining, the situation remains dire for many still trapped.
Tragedy Unfolds as Six More Bodies Recovered from South African Mine
Tragedy Unfolds as Six More Bodies Recovered from South African Mine
Rescuers continue the search for illegal miners trapped underground as efforts yield both tragic discoveries and hopeful rescues.
Rescue teams have retrieved six more bodies from a South African mine as the search for illegal miners, believed to be at least 2 kilometers underground, persists. The ongoing rescue operation, reported by Sanco, a national NGO umbrella body, marks the second day of efforts. On Tuesday alone, eight survivors were brought to the surface, adding to the 26 individuals rescued the previous day. Tragically, nine bodies were also discovered during the ongoing recovery efforts.
The illegal miners have been trapped since last year, when authorities increased operations against illicit mining across the nation. A court ruling last week pushed the government to finally act on a long-stalled rescue mission.
Previously, authorities had taken a tough stance against the miners, who are colloquially referred to as "zama zamas," arguing they had entered the shafts at their own risk and denying them food and water. In November, a government official controversially stated their intent to "smoke them out." Reports suggest that more than 100 zama zamas may have died underground since the crackdown began, but these numbers remain unverified by official sources.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media depict the grim and fatal conditions inside the shuttered gold mine. One video shows wrapped corpses in makeshift body bags, while another captures malnourished survivors pleading for help. The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) released videos showcasing shirtless miners appearing desperate for assistance, with a voice-off camera detailing their dire needs.
These visuals have prompted union leaders to label the situation a “Stilfontein massacre,” holding authorities accountable for the ongoing crisis. The Giwusa president, Mametlwe Sebei, condemned the government’s "treacherous policy," asserting that the footage reveals a catastrophic humanitarian situation.
The rescue operation, led by the department of mineral resources, has been diligently lowering a cage designed to transport several miners at a time. The cage operates on an hourly basis, seeking to save lives amidst the alarming concerns of the illegal mining industry in South Africa.
