In a devastating incident at an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, at least 100 illegal miners have died, likely from starvation or dehydration, after being trapped deep underground for months. Authorities confirmed the grim news after a mobile phone, sent to the surface by rescued miners on Friday, contained disturbing videos showing dozens of bodies wrapped in plastic.
The miners were part of a group trapped in the Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein, about 156 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. The tragic situation began in October when the authorities sealed off the mine’s shafts, hoping to force illegal miners to the surface by cutting off their access to food. However, many miners remained stranded deep underground, and since then, reports suggest that at least 100 have perished due to the harsh conditions.
An operation to rescue those still trapped underground began on Monday, bringing an end to a months-long standoff over their fate. While the government initially refused to assist, citing the illegal nature of the mining activities, community members took matters into their own hands. They used a makeshift rope-pulley system to bring miners to the surface, though some were arrested before being released.
The exact number of miners still trapped is unclear, but estimates suggest that at least 1,000 could still be underground, awaiting rescue. On Monday, heavy machinery and forensic pathology vans were seen entering the mine as the operation to retrieve the miners continued.
The incident highlights a broader issue in South Africa, where illegal mining, known as “zama zamas,” is widespread. The country is home to around 6,000 abandoned mines, many of which are accessed by informal miners. This illegal activity results in massive financial losses for the nation, with an estimated R70 billion lost each year.
Discussions with the mine owners began in December, but they have pleaded poverty and claimed an inability to fund the operation to rescue the miners. The government’s tough stance on illegal mining activities has only added to the complexity of the situation.
এনেধৰণৰ অন্যান্য বা-বাতৰিৰ বাবে লাইক কৰক অসম লাইভ ২৪ ৰ ফেচবুক পেজ
