South Africa authorities refuses to help 4,000 illegal miners trapped inside closed mine

The South African government has announced it will not assist approximately 4,000 illegal miners trapped in a closed mine in the North West province. This decision aligns with the government’s official policy against illegal mining.

The miners, believed to be suffering from a lack of food, water, and other necessities, are currently trapped in a mineshaft in Stilfontein. Police have sealed off the mine’s entrances, halting the transportation of supplies to the miners underground as part of their “Vala Umgodi” (Close the Hole) operation. This operation aims to force the miners to surface and face arrest.

Over 1,000 miners have already emerged from various mines in the North West province in recent weeks. Many have reported feeling weak, hungry, and ill after spending weeks without basic supplies.