South African authorities have rescued more than 150 illegal miners from an abandoned gold mine in Mpumalanga Province, with harrowing accounts of forced labour and human trafficking emerging from those freed.
The multi-day operation, led by police and supported by the military, also recovered three bodies on the first day of the rescue. Most of those rescued are reportedly foreign nationals, with many claiming they were coerced into mining under threat.
“These individuals were allegedly forced underground to mine gold against their will,” said a police spokesperson. Those rescued have since been arrested, and investigations are underway to unravel the networks behind illegal mining and alleged human trafficking in the region.
South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed that law enforcement is probing reports of forced labour and trafficking linked to illegal mining syndicates. “Mpumalanga has become a hotspot for these activities,” he noted, describing the economic and social toll of the rampant illicit mining operations.
The final miner emerged from the disused shaft late Friday night, signaling his arrival with a whistle as he was greeted by army officers. Exhausted but visibly relieved, his emergence marked the conclusion of the Mpumalanga rescue operation.
Police have declared the site secured, but investigations will continue before the mine is permanently sealed.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are ongoing at another disused mine in Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg. Authorities have announced plans to deploy additional equipment on Monday to aid efforts to reach those still trapped underground.
Illegal mining remains a significant challenge for South Africa, draining millions of dollars annually from the economy. The dangerous activity often involves syndicates exploiting vulnerable individuals, further complicating efforts to curb the practice.
