South Africa News

A tragic incident occurred on January 28, 2025, when a 59-year-old South African, identified as Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed, was trampled to death by an elephant at Kruger National Park. According to the South African National Parks (SANParks), the accident happened near the Crocodile River at the Malelane Gate as Ammed attempted to rescue children who had run into the bush. Witness accounts revealed that after the children entered the area, an elephant from a nearby herd charged, prompting Ammed to rush to their aid. Unfortunately, he was then chased and trampled by the elephant. SANParks stated that despite efforts to save Ammed, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The park agencies have requested that the public refrain from speculating on the tragic event until an official report is released. Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's largest game reserves, maintains strict regulations prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles except in designated areas. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers wildlife poses, especially in tourist areas.

A tragic incident occurred on January 27, 2025, in Kruger National Park, South Africa, where a tourist was fatally trampled by an elephant. The South African National Parks agency reported that the victim, 59-year-old Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed, died near the Crocodile River at the Malelane Gate after rushing to save children who had ventured into the bush. Eyewitness accounts suggest Ammed and his family had parked near the park's reception area when the children ran towards the bush, provoking a nearby elephant. In an effort to safeguard the children, Ammed intervened and was subsequently charged by the elephant, succumbing to his injuries on the scene. The park authorities confirmed that the specific elephant involved in the incident could not be identified among a larger herd present at the time. They have emphasized that Kruger Park has strict regulations prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles outside designated picnic areas and fenced campsites. An investigation is currently underway, and the agency has requested the public refrain from spreading speculation about the details of the event until a formal police report is released. This incident echoes previous tragic occurrences, including several fatal elephant encounters involving tourists in Africa over the past year.

In a harrowing revelation from South Africa, over 300 miners trapped for months in the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine resorted to cannibalism for survival. Reports indicate that the miners were cut off from food and water by police, who believed the miners would surrender and leave the nearly two-kilometer-deep shaft willingly. Survivors have recounted grueling tales of desperation, with one miner stating that individuals began to consume parts of their own bodies to stay alive. This grim survival strategy emerged as initial food supplies ran out, forcing some to eat insects like cockroaches. Despite the police's assurances that the miners could exit the mine safely, many were reportedly too weak to make the perilous journey. The situation escalated to a rescue operation after judicial intervention, uncovering 78 bodies in the mine following the operation. The images of malnourished survivors and deceased miners have shocked the nation. South Africa's Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe has sparked controversy by stating that the state cannot bear responsibility for individuals choosing to remain in a dangerous location for three months. Meanwhile, human rights groups have accused the government of negligence, labeling these events as one of the country’s most severe failures. The country is known for its rich mineral resources but is also plagued by the dangers of approximately 6,000 abandoned mines that are targeted by illegal miners and criminal gangs.

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.

The families of the Cradock Four, a group of anti-apartheid activists killed in 1985, are suing the South African government for failing to prosecute their alleged murderers. This legal action, initiated by Lukhanyo Calata and 24 other families, aims to compel an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killings and to seek constitutional damages totaling 167 million rand. The Cradock Four, which included Fort Calata and Matthew Goniwe, were brutally murdered by state security forces at a roadblock. In 1999, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission denied amnesty to six security officers involved, yet no one has been prosecuted since. The families argue that the government's inaction has caused lasting pain and suffering. Calata described the profound impact of losing his father and expressed feelings of betrayal by the government. The justice ministry is currently reviewing the case and has reopened an inquest into the murders amid allegations of previous governmental interference in investigations. Nombuyiselo Mhlauli, another widow of one of the slain activists, voiced her disappointment over the lack of prosecutions, questioning the government’s delayed response. As the families seek justice, the case highlights ongoing struggles for accountability in South Africa’s post-apartheid era.

In a significant legal challenge, 25 families and survivors of apartheid-era violence, including relatives of the Cradock Four, have filed a lawsuit against the South African government. This case, presented in Pretoria's high court this week, seeks to hold the government accountable for failing to prosecute those responsible for the notorious 1985 killings of Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, Matthew Goniwe, and Sparrow Mkonto. The Cradock Four were brutally murdered by security forces, an event that has haunted South Africa's history. Lukhanyo Calata, the son of Fort Calata, expressed the profound impact of his father's death, stating, “We were ultimately betrayed by the people that we trusted to lead us into a new society.” The families are demanding an inquiry into the lack of prosecutions and are seeking 167 million rand (approximately £7.3 million) in constitutional damages for investigations, memorials, and public education efforts. The lawsuit emphasizes that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) denied amnesty to the six security officers involved but that they were never prosecuted. A spokesperson for the justice ministry confirmed that they are reviewing the lawsuit and will work with the National Prosecuting Authority on the matter. The case highlights growing frustrations within the community regarding accountability for past atrocities, as many survivors feel excluded from the processes intended to bring justice and closure.

Families of the victims involved in the notorious Cradock Four killings during apartheid in South Africa have initiated a legal case against the government, seeking accountability and reparations. The Cradock Four—Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, Matthew Goniwe, and Sparrow Mkonto—were brutally murdered by security officers at a roadblock in June 1985. Lukhanyo Calata, son of victim Fort Calata, has joined a group of 25 families and survivors in filing a lawsuit in Pretoria, demanding a thorough inquiry into the lack of prosecutions for the killers. Despite a 1999 ruling by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission denying amnesty to six officers involved, no legal action has been taken against them as they have since passed away. The lawsuit includes a claim for "constitutional damages" amounting to 167 million rand, intended to fund inquiries, litigation efforts, and educational programs regarding apartheid-era injustices. Calata expressed his deep personal loss, stating that the betrayal felt from the government has profoundly impacted his life. In light of growing concerns over the government's failure to act, the justice ministry reopened an inquest into the killings last year, although proceedings have faced delays. Nombuyiselo Mhlauli, widow of Sicelo Mhlauli, shared her emotional burden and frustration over the lack of closure despite democratic changes in the country. The relatives are determined to seek answers and justice for their loved ones who suffered under apartheid.

In a recent rescue operation in South Africa, a specialized mobile rescue camera played a pivotal role in locating and communicating with illegal miners trapped almost 2.6 kilometers deep in the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine. The rescue team, led by Mannas Fourie, CEO of Mine Rescue Services South Africa, reported that the camera descended to a depth of 1,280 meters, capturing live visuals of approximately 480 miners seeking help. Rescuers first received a response from the miners after sending down communication tools, including pen and paper. This initiated crucial discussions on bringing the miners safely to the surface. Leveraging advanced technology, the rescue operation utilized a specially designed cage capable of carrying multiple miners at once, significantly increasing efficiency compared to earlier estimates. As the rescue unfolded, challenges included ensuring that the operation maintained safety and that the most vulnerable miners received priority. Rescuers managed to pull up to 13 individuals at a time, with a total of 246 miners retrieved successfully, despite a death toll of at least 87 reportedly due to starvation and dehydration in the months leading to the rescue. Authorities faced backlash for their handling of the situation, criticized for cutting off food supplies in a bid to force the miners out. The operation underscored the importance of combining technology with human effort in rescue scenarios, highlighted by the collaborative decision-making between rescuers and the miners.

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.

In a harrowing tale from South Africa, volunteers have rescued dozens of miners trapped underground for months, confronting not only the horrific conditions but also allegations of cannibalism among the desperate men. Mzwandile Mkwayi, a 36-year-old former convict, and his friend Mandla Charles descended 2 kilometers into the Buffelsfontein mine, where they were met with the grim sight of over 70 bodies and around 200 dehydrated miners. Mkwayi, who volunteered to aid the rescue after hearing the community’s pleas, described the smell of decay and the devastating reality of the miners’ survival tactics, which included eating cockroaches and, reportedly, each other. The miners had been stranded following a police operation aimed at curbing illegal mining, which has proliferated as formal mining operations decline. Authorities had blocked supplies to flush out the illegal miners, leading to a tragic situation where many died from starvation. Activists have decried this as a "massacre," drawing parallels to prior incidents of police violence against miners. Officials maintain that illegal miners were capable of exiting on their own but feared arrest, a claim Mkwayi rebuts. After a rescue operation lasting just three days, officials confirmed that all those remaining underground had been retrieved, yet anguish remains as only two of the deceased have been identified. The government faces intense scrutiny over its heavy-handed approach to illegal mining and the lack of prior rescue efforts, with calls for better regulation of the trade due to rampant unemployment driving many to desperate measures. The saga has prompted a national debate about illegal mining's effect on local communities, criminality, and government responsibility, with advocates urging for legal frameworks to provide sustainable livelihoods for those forced underground.

A rescue operation at a disused illegal gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, has so far resulted in the recovery of 36 bodies, while 82 individuals have been rescued alive. The operation was initiated following police actions in October aimed at dismantling illegal mining activities, which led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies for those trapped underground. Authorities assert that approximately 109 individuals are believed to have died and that between 400 and 800 miners may still be trapped. These estimates emerged after a letter surfaced alleging the deaths of numerous miners. Videos released by NGOs depict emaciated miners begging for supplies and showing bodies laid out in tunnels. Since the police instituted Operation Vala Umgodi in late 2023 to combat illegal mining, they claimed to have forced hundreds of miners to surface due to starvation. However, the government maintained that those who remained underground were attempting to evade arrest. The rescue operation, which may take up to 16 days to complete, is being managed by a private company equipped with a crane-winched cage that can extract a limited number of miners per hour. Local volunteers are currently carrying out the descent into the 1.2-mile deep shaft, as it is deemed too risky for state or private workers due to reports of armed zama zama miners. The ongoing crisis highlights the growing prevalence of illegal mining across South Africa's north-eastern region, where an estimated 30,000 zama zama miners operate, contributing to 10% of the nation's gold output from abandoned mineshafts.

A tragic incident has occurred in South Africa, where over 100 illegal miners have reportedly died after being trapped in a disused gold mine. Rescue operations have commenced, focusing on the dramatic rescue of those who survived the ordeal. Many miners were found in a severely emaciated state and are currently being transported to local hospitals for urgent medical care. The situation highlights the dangers associated with illegal mining operations, which often take place in abandoned sites, posing significant risks to those involved. Authorities are urging urgent action to address the safety and regulatory issues surrounding illegal mining activities in the region. Further updates on the rescue efforts and the condition of the miners will be provided as the situation develops.

In Stilfontein, South Africa, authorities have recovered 60 bodies from a disused gold mine where illegal mining activities are rampant. A total of 166 individuals were rescued from the mine, with 106 survivors immediately arrested for illegal mining. The situation in the mine, which plunges more than 2 kilometers underground, remains precarious, as the exact number of miners still trapped is unknown. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stated that efforts are ongoing to rescue any remaining miners. The operation was initiated after local residents reported that many miners had perished in the shaft. The South African government has been combating illegal mining, with operations beginning last August in an effort to mitigate the economic losses incurred from unregulated gold extraction. It is estimated that illegal mining costs the government hundreds of millions of dollars annually in revenue and taxes. While the government emphasizes the need for these interventions, local residents and human rights groups have criticized the tactics used in the operation. Hunger and lack of water were previously employed to force miners to surface, but this approach was recently halted by a court ruling that allowed for voluntary aid to be delivered to those trapped inside. The rescue operation continues with expectations that it will take several more days to complete.

Rescuers continue their efforts at a disused mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, where they have retrieved 36 dead bodies and rescued 82 survivors since operations began on Monday. Many of the miners had been working illegally underground, known locally as "zama zamas," as authorities intensified a crackdown on illicit mining activities in the region. The emergency response has drawn attention to the dire conditions faced by miners, as several survivors emerged from the mine in tattered clothing and no shoes, while others were found in critical health. Some retrieved bodies were so light that they could be carried by a single person. Family members of the missing miners have been protesting outside the mine, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones. The unrest highlights the risks associated with illegal mining, which has reportedly claimed over 100 lives since enforcement actions began last year. Families are expressing frustration with government response strategies, including the blocking of food and water supplies to the miners. In a press conference, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe defended the tough measures against illegal miners, stating that the "fight against illegal mining" is crucial for the economy. The recent rescue operations follow a court ruling mandating the government to facilitate urgent rescue efforts. As the situation develops, volunteers from organizations like Sanco are assisting rescue teams and advocating for the urgent retrieval of both survivors and deceased miners, emphasizing the need to identify the bodies before they decompose.

South African authorities have intensified rescue operations at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein following reports that hundreds of illegal miners have been trapped underground for months, with many believed to have died from starvation and dehydration. As of January 14, 2025, rescuers have recovered 36 bodies and rescued 82 survivors, according to police reports. Concerns grew after civic groups estimated that more than 100 miners have already died in the mine, which stretches over 2.5 kilometers below the surface. These miners had been trapped since at least November when police initiated a controversial crackdown aimed at displacing illegal operations by cutting off food and water supplies. Local activists and family members of the miners have criticized the government's handling of the situation, arguing that many remain trapped due to fears of arrest. Police, however, claim some miners have successfully exited the mine, which they interpret as proof that others could do the same. Authorities have faced backlash for their approach to managing illegal mining, which has been a persistent issue in South Africa. The rescue operation, which utilizes a specialized cage to reach the deep-seated miners, is ongoing but will likely take weeks to complete due to safety concerns. Survivors are receiving medical attention, while those rescued face potential legal repercussions for illegal mining activities. The crisis highlights the dire conditions within many of South Africa's abandoned mining sites and the struggles faced by informal miners, also known as "zama zamas."

Authorities in South Africa have confirmed the recovery of fifteen bodies from an illegal goldmine, with reports suggesting that at least 109 additional miners may have died underground. Since the rescue operation began on January 14, 2025, 44 individuals have been brought to the surface alive. The operation was triggered by a letter that surfaced alleging that there are numerous dead miners still trapped in the Buffelsfontein mine, located approximately 100 miles southwest of Johannesburg. Activists from the organization Mining Affected Communities United in Action shared videos depicting wrapped bodies in tunnels and emaciated miners pleading for food and rescue. In late 2023, police initiated Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining, which has proliferated in South Africa's northeastern mining belt amid the depletion of industrial mines. In an effort to force miners to emerge, authorities previously blocked essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine from reaching the underground workers. This strategy led to hundreds coming to the surface due to starvation and dehydration. While police insist that the miners are free to leave, local activists contest this claim, emphasizing that many are evading arrest. A spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy acknowledged the dangers of the operation due to the presence of armed miners. The ongoing rescue efforts, which could extend up to 16 days, are being facilitated by Mines Rescue Services with the aid of local volunteers. Miners who are recovered are being assessed for treatment before potentially facing arrest.

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.

In a significant operation, South African police rescued 26 Ethiopian nationals from a suspected human trafficking situation in Johannesburg. The individuals managed to escape by breaking a window and burglar bars late Thursday night, prompting a call to the authorities from concerned neighbors in the Sandringham suburb. Three suspects were arrested on charges of people trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm. According to Philani Nkwalase, a spokesperson for the police, signs indicate that the victims were held in degrading conditions, as they were found naked—suggesting a calculated method to humiliate them and prevent escape. Reports suggest that up to 60 Ethiopian men were confined in the bungalow, and local media showed disturbing images of blood stains beneath an open window at the scene. Eleven of the rescued individuals required medical attention and were taken to nearby hospitals. As of now, some of the Ethiopians remain unaccounted for. This incident highlights ongoing concerns surrounding human trafficking in South Africa, which has seen an influx of immigrants since the end of apartheid. The country's complex immigration landscape has led to waves of xenophobia, fueled by fears that migrants contribute to crime and unemployment. Notably, this rescue operation follows a similar case in August 2024, where 82 Ethiopians were found living in cramped and inhumane conditions in the same area. Authorities indicated that while those individuals were victims of smuggling rather than trafficking, the connections between these incidents are still being investigated. Police continue to seek interpreters to communicate with the rescued individuals, as language barriers hinder efforts to fully understand the circumstances surrounding their arrival and captivity in South Africa.

South African police have successfully rescued 26 Ethiopians from a suspected human trafficking operation in Johannesburg. The group managed to escape by breaking a window and a burglar bar at a house where they were reportedly held against their will. Following a tip-off from neighbors regarding unusual noises, authorities responded and arrested three individuals suspected of trafficking and possession of an illegal firearm. The rescued individuals were found naked, which police believe may have been a tactic used by traffickers to demean and control them. Eleven of the rescued Ethiopians required medical attention, although some remained unaccounted for. Philani Nkwalase, a spokesman for the police, indicated that this incident appears to be part of a broader issue of human trafficking in the area. This alarming development follows a similar case in August 2024, where 82 Ethiopians were discovered living in dire conditions in the same neighborhood. The recent incidents underline ongoing challenges related to human trafficking in South Africa, a country that has seen an influx of immigrants since the end of apartheid. Authorities are currently seeking to communicate effectively with the survivors to understand the circumstances surrounding their ordeal, as language barriers have posed challenges in gathering information.

As economic hardships and drought plague Zimbabwe, many citizens are risking illegal crossings into South Africa, where they hope to find better opportunities. A knee-high barbed wire fence along the Limpopo River has proven insufficient to deter those desperate for escape, with migrants easily hopping over to access the neighboring country. Despite facing significant poverty and hostility in South Africa, individuals continue to traverse the border without fear. One migrant noted, "You can't stop someone who is suffering. They have to find any means to come find food." Recent reports indicate that the border area remains largely unmonitored, contributing to the ease of crossing. While Zimbabweans are allowed to live and work in South Africa on an exemption permit, many face significant barriers to legal entry, such as the cost of a passport. One mother expressed her struggles, stating, "I only have $30 to find work in South Africa and that a passport costs $50." In stark contrast to the lax border controls, urban areas in South Africa are seeing increased crackdowns on undocumented immigrants, often accompanied by raids and deportations. Human rights advocates highlight a disconnect between the intense actions within the cities and the relaxed approach at the border. As anti-immigrant sentiment grows in South Africa, many migrants find themselves in precarious living situations, often in shelters designed for those escaping violence and trafficking. Local perceptions of migration have shifted dramatically since the end of apartheid, with some citizens calling for stricter immigration controls despite historical ties with neighboring countries. The situation at the border reflects ongoing challenges for migrants seeking safety and economic stability, amid a broader climate of xenophobia and economic strife within South Africa.