78 Illegal Miners Found Dead in South Africa’s Stilfontein Mine
South African Police Service Rescues Illegal Miners Trapped in Stilfontein Mine
After a harrowing ordeal, 216 illegal miners have been rescued from the Stilfontein mine in South Africa, according to a statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The rescue operation, which began on January 13, has also recovered the bodies of 78 illegal miners who tragically lost their lives during the ordeal.
The rescue operation was launched in response to allegations of cannibalism within the mine. The Action Union of Communities Affected by Mining (MACUA) raised concerns about miners trapped in Stilfontein resorting to eating the bodies of their deceased colleagues due to starvation. Following their plea to the Constitutional Court, the government mobilized a rescue mission to save those trapped underground.
The Stilfontein mine, an abandoned gold mine, became a prison for hundreds of illegal miners after the police cut off their water and food supply in November 2024. Despite warnings from Presidential Affairs Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni that they would be forcibly removed, many miners resisted surrender and remained trapped underground.
As of January 15, 1,806 illegal miners have managed to exit Stilfontein, with only 21 of them being South African citizens. The majority of the miners were reportedly Mozambican nationals. Government officials have emphasized that these individuals were able to escape on their own accord, with some intentionally delaying their exits to evade arrest by law enforcement.
The rescue operation for the Stilfontein mine continues as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of all those involved. The tragic events that unfolded serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by illegal miners and the importance of upholding human rights in the mining industry.
