At least 78 illegal miners have been found dead in a South African mine. They were trapped 1.5 miles underground in Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg. The police had blocked food and water supplies for months, leading to the deaths. The operation to remove the bodies began on Monday, and 166 survivors, many weak and disoriented, were pulled out as well.
The miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” had been without aid since August. In December, a court ruled that essential supplies could be sent down. The police argued that providing aid would encourage illegal activity.
The deaths have sparked outrage. Trade unions have called the situation a “horrific” example of state negligence. The South African Federation of Trade Unions condemned the government for its actions. Many of the miners were undocumented workers from Mozambique and other Southern African countries.
The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, called for an independent investigation. All 166 survivors were arrested, including charges of illegal immigration and mining. They were immediately taken into police custody.
The rescue efforts continued on Wednesday. A metal cage was used to bring miners and bodies to the surface. Each round trip took up to 45 minutes. Some survivors were eager to get into the cage and escape.
The issue of illegal mining costs South Africa’s government and the mining industry millions of dollars each year. Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe called it a criminal activity, mainly committed by foreign nationals. Before the rescue operation, 1,576 unlicensed miners had left the site, with most arrested and deported, mostly to Mozambique.
