Desperate Miners Rescued From South African Mine After Months Underground

ZASouth Africa|

In a harrowing rescue operation, volunteers have successfully retrieved miners trapped for months in a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa. Over 87 miners are believed to have died during their confinement, many reportedly succumbing to starvation as police surrounding the site blocked supplies.

The plight of the trapped miners came to light when former convict Mzwandile Mkwayi volunteered to help after learning of their dire situation. Upon descending into the mine, he encountered numerous bodies and emaciated survivors, prompting an urgent rescue effort. "They were very dehydrated and had lost weight," Mkwayi said, revealing that more men had to be grouped into the rescue cage due to their frail conditions.

The tragedy was precipitated by a nationwide police crackdown on illegal mining operations that have proliferated in South Africa since multinationals abandoned many sites. The government asserts that illegal mining contributes significantly to economic losses, but activists claim the recent policing tactics, including the denial of food and water, played a direct role in the miners’ deaths.

The miners being rescued expressed relief upon seeing the volunteers, who they regarded as heroes. However, conditions underground had deteriorated to the point where survival became a daily struggle against hunger. Eyewitness accounts reveal graphic details of starvation and suffering among the miners.

Government officials have defended the police crackdown, labeling it essential in combating the criminality associated with illegal mining activities. Nevertheless, community members and activists have denounced this response as inadequate, with calls for accountability regarding the tragic loss of life.

As of now, the mine has been permanently sealed, and the respective authorities continue their operations against illegal mining while facing mounting criticism from the community and human rights advocates.

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