At least 400 illegal miners remain trapped underground in a gold mine in South Africa’s North West Province, two months after a police raid aimed at halting illegal mining activities.
The distressing situation was brought to light on Monday by Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), a South African miners’ rights group, which shared harrowing video footage showing dozens of dead bodies and emaciated men still trapped underground.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
Makhosonke Buthelezi, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, confirmed that bodies have been retrieved from the mine but said further details would be released in an official report.
Two videos verified by Reuters show the grim conditions underground. The first video reveals piles of bodies wrapped in sacks and plastic, while surviving miners can be seen pleading for assistance.
A second video shows shirtless miners with visible signs of severe malnutrition, their ribs protruding as they desperately seek help.
According to MACUA spokesperson Magnificent Mndebele, the miners have been trapped since a standoff with South African police in November.
Authorities reportedly blocked food and water supplies to force the illegal miners out of the abandoned mine, which is often targeted by so-called “zama zamas,” individuals searching for leftover gold in defunct mines.
Mndebele stated that a pulley system, previously used to transport supplies and allow miners to exit the mine, was destroyed during the police operation.
MACUA managed to restore the system on Jan. 9, allowing some miners to emerge and report the dire conditions underground.
“The shaft is two kilometres deep. It’s impossible for people to climb up without assistance,” Mndebele explained.
South African authorities have since deployed machinery to the site to prepare for a planned rescue operation.
Buthelezi confirmed that mine rescue services, contracted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, have replaced the makeshift pulley system with professional equipment to aid the ongoing rescue efforts.
Illegal mining has plagued South Africa for decades, with abandoned mines becoming dangerous hubs for unregulated gold extraction.
The government’s crackdown on illegal miners has sparked concern from human rights groups, who argue that the livelihoods of vulnerable communities must be taken into account when addressing the issue.
