Disturbing videos from a disused gold mine in South Africa depict the horrific reality faced by illegal miners, with bodies found and others in dire health. The ongoing rescue operation aims to address the dire situation as labor unions call for urgent assistance.
Distressing Footage Reveals Harrowing Conditions of Illegal Miners in South African Gold Mine
Distressing Footage Reveals Harrowing Conditions of Illegal Miners in South African Gold Mine
Videos surface showing deceased and starving miners trapped underground as rescue efforts begin amidst growing concerns.
Disturbing videos depicting the dire circumstances faced by illegal miners in a disused gold mine in South Africa have emerged, raising alarm over the living conditions underground. Reports indicate that many miners, referred to locally as "zama zamas," have been trapped underground for months, forcing them to contend with hunger and despair since police operations targeting illegal mining intensified last year.
Footage circulating online shows corpses wrapped in makeshift bags, along with emaciated individuals still alive within the mine. The authenticity of these videos has not been independently verified, but they highlight an escalating humanitarian crisis. Following a court order last week mandating government action, rescue operations commenced on Monday.
Authorities, eager to assert control over the situation, previously adopted a stringent stance, blocking access to essential supplies such as food and water. This harsh policy has come under scrutiny after over a hundred illegal miners reportedly lost their lives in the mine near Stilfontein, approximately 145km southwest of Johannesburg.
The General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa), which released some of the footage, expressed outrage at the conditions, labeling them a "Stilfontein massacre." The distressing videos reveal miners pleading for assistance, with one individual estimating that nearly 96 have died from hunger.
In an effort to bring the miners to safety, operations are now employing a cage mechanism designed to carry several individuals at once from a depth of around 2km. As of Monday's operation, reports indicate that 26 miners were rescued alive alongside nine bodies. Meanwhile, the Department of Mineral Resources is leading rescue efforts but has yet to clarify whether the priority lies with retrieving the deceased or providing medical assistance to survivors.
As pressure mounts for accountability and action, a briefing with departmental authorities and police is scheduled for Tuesday to update the public on the ongoing rescue initiative.
