Philemon Jambaya
Zim Now Editor
A devastating crisis has unfolded in Stilfontein, North West, where a rescue operation at an abandoned mine has come to an end, leaving a trail of tragedy in its wake. The Zimbabwean consulate has pledged to work closely with the South African government to verify and identify its citizens who were among the thousands of illegal miners trapped in the mine.
According to Zimbabwean Consulate General Eria Phiri, this partnership aims to bring the entire process to a conclusion and finality. The verification and identification process will also be extended to the 465 illegal miners who have been rescued alive.
The Stilfontein mine disaster has claimed the lives of 87 people, with 246 survivors rescued from the depths of the mine. It's estimated that nearly 2000 illegal miners were trapped in the mine in August, with over 1000 arrested since then.
The rescue operation has been marred by controversy, with South African authorities facing criticism for their handling of the crisis. The government's "Operation Vala Umgodi" (Close the Hole) aimed to seal entry points to the mine, blocking food supplies and forcing miners to surface. However, this approach has been labeled as inhumane by some, who argue that all individuals, regardless of their legal status, deserve protection.
As the Zimbabwean consulate works to identify and assist its citizens, the international community is calling for a more humane approach to addressing the crisis. The incident has highlighted the dangers faced by illegal miners, who often risk their lives in search of economic opportunities.
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