Efforts to rescue illegal miners trapped in a disused South African gold mine have entered a second day, with six more bodies recovered from underground, according to the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco).
On Tuesday, eight individuals were successfully brought to the surface alive, adding to the 26 miners rescued on Monday. Nine bodies were also retrieved during Monday’s operations. Rescuers believe that dozens more remain trapped around 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) below ground.
The miners became trapped after police intensified a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities last year. A court recently ordered the government to undertake a rescue operation that had been delayed for months.
In response to the miners entering the shaft in Stilfontein without authorization, authorities had initially blocked food and water supplies. In November, a government minister stated, “We are going to smoke them out.”
Local reports suggest that more than 100 illegal miners, often referred to as “zama zamas,” have died underground since the crackdown began. However, officials have yet to confirm these figures, citing the need for official verification.
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Videos depicting the harsh conditions underground emerged on Monday, sparking outrage. One video, shared by the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), shows shirtless men seated on a filthy floor, with emaciated figures and blurred faces. In the footage, a voice off-camera describes the dire conditions, pleading for food and assistance.
Another video shows bodies wrapped in makeshift bags, with a voice stating, “This is hunger; people are dying because of hunger.” The man estimates the death toll at 96 and appeals for urgent help. Giwusa says the footage was filmed on Saturday.
Mametlwe Sebei, president of Giwusa, described the situation as a “Stilfontein massacre” during a briefing near the rescue site on Monday. He criticized the government for what he called a “deliberately treacherous policy,” holding authorities accountable for the loss of life.
The rescue operation, led by the Department of Mineral Resources, involves lowering a cage into the shaft to bring miners to the surface. According to Giwusa, the cage can hold six to seven people at a time and is being sent down hourly.
Hundreds of miners remain trapped, with over 1,000 having surfaced in recent months. The disturbing scenes from Stilfontein highlight the ongoing human cost of South Africa’s illegal mining crisis.
