The South African government has launched a mission to rescue hundreds of people trapped in an underground gold mine, where they were forced to endure extreme conditions and starvation. The operation comes after a court case was initiated by the sister of one of the miners, who claimed that over 100 people had already died at the Buffelsfontein mine near Stilfontein.
The “zama zama” miners, estimated to be around 30,000, are producing 10% of South Africa’s gold output in abandoned mineshafts controlled by violent criminal syndicates. In late 2023, police launched Operation Vala Umgodi to crack down on the sector, but allowed some supplies to be sent down later.
The blockade of essential supplies began in August and miners were forced to eat cockroaches and toothpaste mixed with salt. Some have resorted to eating dead bodies, and nine bodies have already been recovered. A phone video shared by a rescue organization showed over 50 wrapped bodies laid out in an underground tunnel.
A private company, Mines Rescue Services, has taken charge of the operation, which is expected to take up to 16 days to complete. The government has agreed to the attempt after being persuaded by a court case initiated by the miner’s sister. Officials have disputed the claims of mass starvation and dehydration, but acknowledged that there were hazardous gases underground.
The investigation into allegations that food sent down to the miners was kept from them will continue.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/13/south-africa-launches-operation-at-gold-mine-amid-fears-many-dead