60 Bodies Recovered in South Africa's Crackdown ...

60 Bodies Recovered in South Africa's Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Zim Now Writer

Authorities in South Africa have recovered at least 60 bodies from a closed gold mine in Stilfontein, following a months-long crackdown on illegal mining operations. The operation, dubbed "Close the Hole," involved a siege that began in August, cutting off food and water supplies to force miners to surface for arrest.

By Tuesday night, police confirmed 51 bodies were retrieved after nine were recovered the previous day. The rescue efforts, which involve lowering a metal cage 2 km (1.2 miles) underground, continue as an unknown number of miners remain trapped.

"We don't know exactly how many people are still underground," said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, emphasizing the complexity of the ongoing operation.

In addition to the fatalities, 132 survivors have been arrested for illegal mining. Authorities have described illegal mining as a major threat to the economy, with industry losses estimated in the hundreds of millions annually due to illicit operations at abandoned mines.

The government has defended the crackdown as essential, with Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe labeling illegal mining "a war on the economy." However, residents and rights groups have criticized the operation, citing humanitarian concerns and questioning the siege’s approach.