A harrowing situation is unfolding in South Africa, where at least 400 illegal miners have been trapped underground for two months.
Footage obtained by the miners’ rights group, Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), shows dozens of dead bodies and emaciated men pleading for help.
The miners were trapped after a police raid on the abandoned gold mine in North West Province, which led to a standoff. Police blocked the miners’ supplies of food and water, forcing them to remain underground.
A pulley system, which was used to lower supplies and enable the miners to escape, was destroyed, but MACUA restored it on January 9.
South African authorities have confirmed that they are preparing for a rescue operation this week, with machinery in place to assist.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has contracted mine rescue services to aid in the rescue efforts.
The situation has sparked concerns about the treatment of illegal miners and the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the issue of illegal mining in South Africa.
