Survivors Allege Cannibalism Among Trapped Miners in South Africa

In a shocking revelation, two survivors from a recent mining disaster in South Africa have recounted harrowing experiences of starvation, leading some miners to commit the ultimate taboo of cannibalism. The miners were trapped nearly a mile underground after police cut off their access to food and water in an attempt to clear illegal miners from abandoned shafts. The survivors, who declined to be named, revealed to The Telegraph that desperate conditions prompted some of their colleagues to resort to cutting off parts of their bodies for sustenance.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of police negligence, with critics alleging that the authorities' actions constituted a "massacre" as they aimed to force illegal miners out of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine near Stilfontein. The rescue operation, which commenced following court intervention, resulted in the recovery of 78 bodies and the rescue of 246 survivors over several months, amidst escalating pressure to address the crisis.

This tragedy underscores the ongoing issue of illegal mining in South Africa, where a staggering 6,000 abandoned mines remain present. The government has vowed to crack down on illegal mining operations, often linked to crime and dangerous living conditions. However, the situation raises critical questions about the safety and rights of miners who face dire economic circumstances, exacerbated by the country’s high unemployment rate.

As investigations continue, including inquiries regarding police conduct and the claims of cannibalism, the South African government faces growing calls for accountability and reform in handling illegal mining activities.