Disturbing videos have emerged from a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, showing emaciated miners and corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags. These illegal miners, known as “zama zamas,” have reportedly been underground for months following a police crackdown on illicit mining last year.
A court-ordered rescue operation began on Monday, bringing up 26 miners alive and nine bodies by the end of the day. Unverified reports suggest over 100 deaths since the crackdown began, with miners left without food or water.
The General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa) calls the situation a “Stilfontein massacre,” blaming authorities for neglect and inhumane policies. Rescues continue as officials prioritize retrieving survivors and the deceased from the 2km-deep mine shaft.
