Rescuers worked tirelessly on Tuesday to retrieve both survivors and bodies from a South African mine in Stilfontein, where illegal miners remain trapped about 2km underground. Since the rescue mission began on Monday, 82 people have been brought to the surface alive, while 36 bodies have been recovered, according to police reports.
At the site, the BBC witnessed emaciated miners—clad in tattered clothes and barefoot—being led to a medical tent. Some body bags appeared so light they were carried by a single individual. Many of the miners had been trapped since last year, following police operations targeting illicit mining.
Known locally as "zama zamas," more than 100 illegal miners are believed to have died underground since the crackdown began, though authorities have not verified these numbers. Relatives and community members have gathered at the mine, holding placards and demanding the rescue of their loved ones. Many expressed exhaustion and frustration at the prolonged wait.
Zinzi Tom, whose 29-year-old brother Ayanda went underground in June, described her desperation: "We questioned whether he should do it, but now that's not the point. We want to save him." She added that she must remain strong for him, especially after hearing from escapees that Ayanda is unwell.
Tensions escalated when Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and the police minister arrived, facing criticism for their harsh stance on illegal mining. The government had cut off food, water, and most mine exits, prompting a court order last week to begin rescue operations. Mantashe defended the measures, citing the economic damage caused by illicit mining, which he said accounted for $2.4 billion in 2024.
Sanco, a national NGO umbrella body, has assisted in rescue efforts, prioritizing the retrieval of bodies to allow proper identification and the rescue of sick miners. Volunteers have also sent food and water down the shaft.
Disturbing footage from the site underscores the grim conditions. Videos show corpses in makeshift body bags and emaciated miners. Protesters outside the mine criticized the government for delays, suggesting that quicker action could have prevented the accumulation of corpses underground. The tragedy highlights the human cost of South Africa’s illicit mining crisis.
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