Authorities in South Africa are grappling with a tragic situation at an abandoned gold mine in North West province, where at least 100 illegal miners are believed to have died after being trapped underground for months.
Sabelo Mnguni, spokesperson for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group, confirmed that a mobile phone retrieved from the mine contained videos showing dozens of bodies wrapped in plastic. Mnguni stated that the miners likely succumbed to starvation or dehydration after police initiated an operation in November to remove them.
Since Friday, 18 bodies have been recovered, including nine retrieved through a community-led operation and another nine during an official rescue mission on Monday. Authorities also rescued 26 survivors during the operation, Mnguni added.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sebata Mokgwabone noted that efforts to verify the number of casualties and survivors are ongoing, as the rescue mission continues.
Illegal mining remains a significant issue in South Africa, particularly in areas where unprofitable mines have been abandoned. Informal miners often risk their lives searching for leftover gold deposits, facing hazardous conditions underground.
The tragedy underscores the dangers associated with illegal mining and the need for stricter enforcement and safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
