JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Around 400 illegal miners remain trapped underground in a gold mine in North West Province, two months after a police raid. A miners’ rights group released shocking footage showing dozens of bodies and emaciated survivors still stuck in the mine.
The footage, verified by Reuters, was obtained by Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) from miners who emerged from the mine on January 10 after a pulley system was restored. The videos show the bodies of miners wrapped in sacks and plastic, as well as survivors appearing severely malnourished.
Makhosonke Buthelezi, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, confirmed that bodies had been recovered from the mine but declined to release further details before an official report. South African police did not respond to requests for comment.
The first video shows piles of bodies, while the second video captures trapped miners pleading for help. Police had blocked food and water supplies in an attempt to force the miners to leave the mine, part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining in South Africa.
Magnificent Mndebele, spokesperson for MACUA, confirmed that over 400 miners are still waiting for rescue. He explained that a vital pulley system, used to bring supplies and miners to safety, was destroyed but restored by community members on January 9. The mine shaft is nearly two kilometers deep, making it impossible for miners to escape without assistance.
Authorities are now at the site with equipment, preparing for a planned rescue this week. Buthelezi confirmed that the pulley system has been replaced with machinery used by mine rescue services.
