Rescuers work tirelessly to save survivors and retrieve bodies from a South African mine where dozens of illegal miners are trapped. The operation has been criticized for its delayed response and the government's harsh treatment of the miners.
Rescuers in South Africa have been tirelessly working to pull survivors and bodies from a mine where dozens of illegal miners are believed to be trapped at least 2 kilometers underground. Since the rescue mission commenced on Monday, 82 individuals have emerged alive from the shaft in Stilfontein, while 36 deceased bodies have been recovered. On Tuesday, the BBC witnessed dozens of emaciated miners, clad in tattered clothing and lacking shoes or socks, being escorted to a medical tent.
This story contains a video that some viewers may find distressing.These men have been confined underground since police operations targeting illegal mining commenced across the nation last year. Reports indicate that over 100 of these illegal miners, locally known as 'zama zamas,' have perished underground since the crackdown on their activities began at the mine, situated approximately 145 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. While authorities have not confirmed this figure, a spokesperson told the BBC that it remains unverified by an official source. Relatives and community members have staged protests at the mining site, wielding placards demanding that authorities rescue the miners. Zinzi Tom, whose 29-year-old brother Ayanda ventured into the mine in June due to unemployment and the desire to earn a living, shared her desperation. 'We questioned whether he should do it, but he's of age, he can do whatever he wants. But now that's not the point. The point is that we want to save him. We want him out,' she stated. Some of the miners who managed to escape have informed Ms. Tom that her brother is unwell, prompting her fervent hope for his swift rescue. Describing her brother as quiet and reserved, she added, 'I need to be strong for him, because I can't be weak now. He needs me more than ever.'The atmosphere outside the mine soured when a convoy carrying Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and the police minister arrived. The government has faced criticism for its harsh stance on illegal miners, including blocking their food and water supplies and shutting down all but one mine exit. Last week, a court ordered the government to facilitate a long-delayed rescue operation. The authorities have defended their resolute response to the miners, with Mantashe stating during a press conference outside the mine that the 'fight against illegal mining' should be intensified. Videos captured underground depict scenes of deceased bodies and emaciated individuals. Sanco, a national umbrella body for NGOs, has been deploying volunteers alongside rescue teams and advocating for the miners. 'We had initially requested that we take out the dead bodies first, so that we avoid a situation where they decompose to an extent that their families cannot identify them anymore, because these are the dead bodies which have been there for quite some time,' Sanco provincial spokesperson Mzukisi Jam told the BBC. He added that they are prioritizing the extraction of the very sick and have sent food and water down the shaft. In one of the films, which the BBC has not independently verified, corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags can be seen. A second video shows the emaciated figures of some miners who are still alive. During the press conference, Mantashe revealed that in 2024, the illicit trade of precious metals was estimated at $2.4 billion (£2 billion).There is a prevailing sentiment at Stilfontein that more could have been done to prevent the accumulation of the dozens of corpses reportedly trapped underground. Critics argue that the money generated from this illicit trade could be better utilized during a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship
ILLEGAL MINING SOUTH AFRICA MINE RESCUE ZAMA ZAMAS GOVERNMENT CRITICISM
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