In a harrowing development, over 100 illegal miners, known as "zama zamas," have reportedly died after being trapped for months in an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa. The tragedy unfolded following a police raid in November aimed at removing illegal miners from the site.
During the operation, authorities removed ropes and equipment used to access the mine shafts, effectively cutting off the miners’ food and water supply. Survivors allege that starvation and dehydration caused the deaths, and court orders to restore supply lines came too late for many.
Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies so far and rescued 26 individuals, but reports suggest that over 500 miners might still be trapped underground. Cellphone footage sent to the surface reveals dire conditions, including bodies wrapped in plastic.
Illegal mining in South Africa, fueled by poverty and unemployment, is fraught with danger, often leading to deadly incidents. This latest tragedy has sparked outrage and demands for accountability, as well as calls for better regulation and support for those forced into such hazardous livelihoods.
