In an illegal mine in South Africa, dozens of miners have died, as seen in footage obtained by Reuters. The Associated Press spoke with a miners’ spokesperson who reported at least 100 fatalities.
In September, police blocked the mine to halt illegal gold mining, arresting those who emerged. Many miners, trapped without sufficient food and water, surrendered to the police due to severe starvation.
However, a miners’ union spokesperson stated that around 400 miners chose to remain inside, despite the consequences. Footage shows bodies wrapped in bags and plastic, but the exact number is unclear.
Some miners are seen pleading for help. Currently, South African authorities are using machinery to rescue everyone, following a court order, according to a spokesperson from the ministry cited by news24.com.
Previously, a South African minister expressed little sympathy, stating, “We do not send aid to criminals. We smoke them out and they will come up.” Many illegal miners in South Africa search for leftover gold in abandoned mines, and police have been working to end illegal mining operations.
Source: NOS