Six more bodies are removed by rescuers from a mine in South Africa

Six More Bodies Recovered from South African Mine as Rescue Efforts Continue

Rescue operations at a disused mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, have intensified as six more bodies were recovered on the second day of efforts to save scores of illegal miners trapped underground. The South African National Civic Organization (Sanco), an umbrella body for NGOs, confirmed the latest development to the BBC.

On Tuesday, eight miners were brought to the surface alive, adding to the 26 who were rescued on Monday. Nine bodies had also been recovered during Monday’s operation. Despite these efforts, many miners are still believed to be trapped approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) underground.

The miners, known locally as zama zamas, have been underground since police launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining last year. The operation aimed to curb illicit mining activities, which have long plagued the country’s mining sector.

Delayed Rescue Efforts and Court Intervention

For months, authorities blocked food and water supplies to the miners, taking a hardline stance against their illegal entry into the mine shaft. In November, a government minister stated, “We are going to smoke them out,” highlighting the government’s tough approach.

However, following mounting pressure, a court recently ordered the government to initiate a rescue operation, which had been delayed despite growing concerns for the miners’ safety.

Alarming Death Toll and Disturbing Footage

Reports suggest that over 100 zama zamas have died underground since the crackdown began, although this figure remains unconfirmed by official sources. Disturbing videos surfaced on Monday, exposing the dire conditions within the mine.

In one unverified video, corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags are shown, while another clip reveals severely emaciated miners pleading for food and assistance. In a video shared by the General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa), dozens of shirtless men are seen sitting on a filthy floor, with blurred faces.

A voice off-camera pleads: “We’re starting to show you the bodies of those who died underground. And this is not all of them… Do you see how people are struggling? Please, we need help.”

Another man in the footage claims, “This is hunger; people are dying because of hunger,” estimating the death toll at 96 and urgently calling for food and aid. Giwusa stated that the footage was recorded on Saturday.

Community Outrage and Government Response

At a press briefing near the rescue site, Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei condemned the government’s handling of the situation, calling it a “Stilfontein massacre.” He criticized the authorities for implementing a “treacherous policy” that led to unnecessary deaths.

“The footage paints a dire picture,” Sebei said. “What has transpired here has to be called what it is—a massacre. This footage shows a pile of human bodies, of miners that died needlessly.”

The Department of Mineral Resources, which is leading the rescue operation, explained that a cage is being lowered into the shaft to bring trapped miners to the surface. Designed to hold six or seven people depending on weight, the cage is being deployed every hour.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Uncertain Outcomes

While more than 1,000 miners have reportedly surfaced over recent months, hundreds are still believed to be trapped underground. Rescue teams are working around the clock to save those still alive, but the full extent of the tragedy remains unclear.

The situation in Stilfontein highlights the deadly risks associated with illegal mining in South Africa, where impoverished communities are often lured into hazardous mining operations controlled by ruthless criminal syndicates.

As rescue efforts continue, families and communities wait anxiously for answers and accountability, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.