400 Illegal South African Miners Trapped for Two Months

Johannesburg, South Africa —   Over 400 illegal miners remain trapped underground in a gold mine in North West Province, South Africa, two months after a police raid meant to curb illegal mining activities.

The alarming situation was revealed on Monday by Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), a South African miners’ rights organization, which shared disturbing video evidence showing malnourished men and dozens of deceased bodies underground.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not issued an official response regarding the incident, despite growing public concern.

Makhosonke Buthelezi, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, confirmed the recovery of bodies from the site and stated that further updates would be provided in an official report.

Two verified videos depict the harrowing conditions. The first shows bodies wrapped in plastic and sacks, while the second highlights severely malnourished miners pleading for rescue.

According to MACUA spokesperson Magnificent Mndebele, the miners became trapped following a standoff with police in November. Food and water supplies were reportedly cut off during the raid to compel the miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” to vacate the abandoned mine.

Mndebele also disclosed that the pulley system, previously used to supply the miners and enable their escape, was destroyed during the operation. However, MACUA restored the system on January 9, allowing some miners to emerge and report the dire underground conditions.

“The shaft is two kilometers deep, making it impossible for individuals to climb out without assistance,” Mndebele explained.

The South African government has since deployed machinery to the site in preparation for a rescue mission. Professional equipment has been installed by mine rescue services contracted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to replace the damaged pulley system.

Illegal mining, a longstanding issue in South Africa, has turned abandoned mines into hazardous sites for unregulated gold extraction.

While authorities intensify efforts to crack down on illegal miners, human rights groups have expressed concerns, urging the government to consider the socio-economic realities of vulnerable communities in addressing the problem.

By Enoch Odesola| January 14, 2025