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