Rescuers continue to recover bodies and survivors from a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, where illegal miners, known as “zama zamas,” have been trapped underground since police crackdowns began last year.
Authorities report that 82 survivors have emerged, while 36 bodies have been recovered. Many of the miners, barefoot and emaciated, were seen being escorted to medical tents.
Relatives and community members have been protesting at the site, demanding action. Zinzi Tom, whose brother Ayanda remains trapped, expressed anguish: “He went down to earn a living, but now we just want him out.”
Tensions escalated as Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe arrived, facing criticism for the government’s hardline approach, including cutting off food and water supplies and closing mine exits. A court recently mandated the government to facilitate rescue efforts, which had faced delays.
Mantashe defended the crackdown, citing illegal mining as a $2.4 billion economic threat. However, NGOs like Sanco have urged prioritizing the recovery of decomposing bodies and the critically ill.
Disturbing videos have emerged showing corpses and starving miners underground, underscoring the grim conditions. Protests at the site reflect frustration over perceived governmental inaction to prevent the tragedy.
