A tragic incident in South Africa has left 87 miners dead following a police operation at an abandoned gold mine, sparking outrage and calls for an investigation.
At a Glance
- At least 87 miners died in a standoff with police at an abandoned South African gold mine
- 246 survivors were rescued, with all being arrested
- Police faced criticism for cutting off food and supplies to the miners
- Community groups attempted rescues after authorities initially refused to help
- Local leaders and political parties are calling for an independent inquiry
Deadly Standoff at Abandoned Mine
In a shocking turn of events, at least 87 miners have lost their lives in a standoff between police and illegal miners at an abandoned South African gold mine. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about police tactics and the handling of illegal mining operations in the country.
Standoff in South Africa ends with 87 miners dead and anger over police 'smoke them out' tactics https://t.co/Rh4ALmJ8lZ
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) January 16, 2025
According to reports, police retrieved 78 bodies during a court-ordered rescue operation, while 246 survivors were rescue. The miners, known as “zama zamas,” are often undocumented foreign nationals working for criminal syndicates. The abandoned mine, one of South Africa’s deepest, had become a hub for illegal mining activities, with miners working up to 2.5 kilometers underground.
Controversial Police Tactics
The police operation, part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, has come under intense scrutiny. Authorities faced severe criticism for cutting off food and supplies to the miners, a tactic condemned by trade unions and human rights groups. Police and mine owners were accused of removing ropes and dismantling a pulley system used by the miners, effectively trapping them underground.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions criticized the government’s approach, questioning its humanity. Initially, authorities refused to help, labeling the miners as “criminals.” This led to community groups attempting their own rescue efforts, pulling decomposing bodies from the mine, some with notes pleading for food.
Rescue Operation and Aftermath
Following court orders, authorities were compelled to allow food and water to the miners and later launch a rescue operation. The operation ended after three days, with a camera sent down to ensure no one else was underground. Volunteer rescuers from the community assisted, as official personnel were not allowed due to safety concerns.
Most miners resurfaced on their own, and all survivors have been arrested. At least 13 children were among those who emerged from the mine. Police seized gold, explosives, firearms, and over $2 million in cash from the miners.
Calls for Investigation and Reform
The scale of the tragedy has prompted local leaders and political parties to call for an independent inquiry into the incident. The Democratic Alliance party stated, “The scale of the disaster underground at Buffelsfontein is rapidly proving to be as bad as feared.”
This disaster highlights the ongoing issue of illegal mining in South Africa, where an estimated 6,000 abandoned mines exist. The incident has reignited discussions about the legitimacy of forceful methods in policing and the broader societal and legal implications surrounding illegitimate mining practices.
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Standoff in South Africa ends with 87 miners dead and anger over police’s ‘smoke them out’ tactics
