South Africa: Around 4000 Miners Trapped Underground
These volunteers brought food and water supplies to those trapped. Police and medical personnel were also present in the area. Nov 14, 2024 Photo: @Jagan1234
November 14, 2024 Hour: 9:59 pm
The situation arose on November 2 when more than 50 illegal miners managed to escape from the relatively “safe” Margaret Well and alerted others about the presence of comrades still underground.
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Around 4,000 miners remain trapped in an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, located in the North West Province of South Africa. Rescue operations are currently suspended due to heavy rains, provincial police reported on Wednesday.
North West Police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone stated that community efforts to rescue the miners will resume as soon as weather conditions improve.
The situation arose on November 2 when more than 50 illegal miners managed to escape from the relatively “safe” Margaret Well and alerted others about the presence of comrades still underground.
The trapped miners are in more dangerous and unused shafts, far from the aforementioned well. Mokgwabone noted that despite the difficult circumstances, some community members descended into the mine on Tuesday with ropes and were able to spot thousands of miners as well as several lifeless bodies.
These volunteers brought food and water supplies to those trapped. Police and medical personnel were also present in the area.
Additionally, it was reported that the 55 miners who recently emerged were arrested for violating the Immigration Act and engaging in illegal mining activities.
Authorities in provinces such as North West, Gauteng, and Free State have intensified their actions against illegal mining, a persistent issue in South Africa that has resulted in thousands of arrests since the beginning of Operation Vala Umgodi.
Illegal miners, known as zama-zamas, often come from neighboring countries such as Lesotho and Zimbabwe, seeking gold in closed mines. This activity has created tensions with local communities due to crimes associated with these groups.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Xinhua