Tragedy Strikes as Over 100 Illegal Miners are Found Dead in South Africa

ZASouth Africa|

A devastating incident has been reported from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, where at least 100 illegal miners have died after being trapped underground. The miners, who had been engaged in illegal mining activities, were cut off from food, water, and supplies by authorities in an effort to force them out of the mine as part of a crackdown on illegal mining operations.

Sabelo Mnguni, a representative from the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), indicated that mobile phones sent to the surface by survivors contained videos showing numerous bodies wrapped in plastic. Since the situation escalated, the bodies of 18 miners have been recovered, but officials report that hundreds may still be trapped below.

Authorities, including police and private security personnel, have been involved in a protracted standoff with the miners since November 2024. The miners were reluctant to leave due to fears of arrest, as police had removed their means of ascent from the mine shaft. The shaft reaches a depth of 2 kilometers, complicating evacuation efforts.

A police spokesman confirmed that they are currently verifying the number of recovered bodies and the status of potential survivors. Meanwhile, MACUA has reported that over 400 miners remain in the mine, awaiting rescue.

The South African government has maintained a firm stance against illegal mining, characterizing the miners as criminals and emphasizing that they will not provide aid to those engaged in unlawful activities.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with a renewed effort planned after the restoration of a pulley system that had been used to deliver supplies to the miners. The situation remains critical as the search continues for any remaining survivors.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from South Africa

Eight Killed in Durban Tavern Shooting as Manhunt Begins

In a tragic incident on Friday evening, eight individuals were shot and killed by multiple gunmen at a tavern in Durban, South Africa. The South African Police Service reported that the victims, ranging in age from 22 to 40, were found at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Six men and two women were among the deceased, according to the authorities. Police have initiated a manhunt for the suspects involved and are investigating the motive behind the brutal attack. "Investigations into the possible motive of the killings are underway," stated the police service, emphasizing the ongoing struggle with violent crime in the country. This incident underscores South Africa's alarming rates of violence, as police statistics indicate approximately 75 murders occur daily. From October to December 2024, over 6,900 homicides were recorded, raising concerns about public safety. The police has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as they continue their investigation.
ZASouth Africa

Shocking Child Abuse Uncovered in South Africa's Illegal Mines

A disturbing report by the BBC reveals widespread sexual abuse of minors in South Africa's illegal gold mines. Former miners describe harrowing conditions in abandoned sites where children, often trafficked from neighboring countries, are forced into hard labor and sex exploitation. Jonathan, a miner who worked underground for six months, recounted witnessing young boys, some as young as 15, being raped by adult miners in exchange for promised gold. Makhotla Sefuli, a mining researcher, indicated that criminal gangs deliberately target children, who are easier to manipulate and coerce. Many of these children are abducted and lured with false job promises, leading to severe abuse and trauma. Reports suggest that out of miners rescued recently, 31 were confirmed to be children, primarily from Mozambique. As illegal mining remains a lucrative but dangerous enterprise in South Africa, officials have initiated operations to combat this crisis. However, as the illegal mining industry thrives, concerns about child exploitation persist, with many victims unwilling to testify due to fear of repercussions from gangs.
ZASouth Africa

South African Woman Convicted for Kidnapping and Selling Her Daughter

A South African woman, Racquel Chantel Smith, was found guilty on May 2, 2025, of kidnapping and selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, a case that has shocked the nation. Joshlin disappeared in February 2024 and remains missing. Smith, along with her boyfriend and a friend, faces life imprisonment, with sentencing hearings scheduled for next week, according to Judge Nathan Erasmus. Initially, Smith garnered sympathy from her community as they joined efforts to search for Joshlin, with her photograph widely broadcasted across South Africa. The investigation took a disturbing turn when Smith was arrested, and a witness testified that Smith confessed to selling her child for approximately $1,000 to a traditional healer purportedly seeking the girl for body parts. The case has sparked outrage and grief in Saldanha Bay, where the trial was held to accommodate community members. The judge’s ruling has been met with cheers from an audience who showed emotional support throughout the proceedings.
ZASouth Africa
All South Africa News ->