A devastating situation has unfolded in South Africa's North West province, where at least 100 illegal gold miners have died of suspected starvation and dehydration, according to Sabelo Mnguni, a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group. These miners, trapped since November in the depths of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, have suffered as police halted their food supplies in a controversial crackdown on illegal mining activities. Cellphone videos released by Mnguni's group reveal the harrowing conditions underground, showing what appear to be emaciated men and bodies wrapped in plastic.
Amid mounting criticism, police initiated a rescue operation on Monday, recovering 18 bodies and rescuing 26 survivors. Miners from the illegal mining gangs, known locally as "zama zamas," were reportedly trapped by the removal of climbing ropes intended to prevent escape and avoid arrest. Mnguni's organization, which secured a court order in December to allow food and water deliveries, stresses that many of those still underground are dying from lack of basic necessities and pleads for urgent assistance.
Illegal mining persists across South Africa's gold-rich regions as once-profitable mines close, pushing unemployed former miners into these perilous conditions. Despite being labeled as violent gangs by authorities, Mnguni argues that these zama zamas are not criminals, but desperate individuals caught up in a struggle to survive. Authorities, who have been trying to end illegal mining activities for years, are now focusing on bringing all miners safely to the surface. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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