Ramaphosa Urges Safe Recovery of Illegal Miners Trapped Underground in South Africa

Johannesburg, – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the safe recovery of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft in North West province, stressing that lives should not be put at risk during the standoff. Hundreds of miners have been stuck underground for days after entering the disused mine in search of leftover gold, a practice that has plagued South Africa for decades.

Authorities have blocked the miners’ access to food and water in an effort to force them to emerge, with police aiming to arrest them for illegal mining activities. More than 1,000 illegal miners have been reported to have resurfaced recently, but authorities believe hundreds more remain underground.

Human rights groups and local residents have criticized the police’s actions, citing concerns over the humanitarian impact of cutting off supplies. In a weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa acknowledged the precarious situation, warning that it could escalate into violence.

The Stilfontein mine, where the miners are trapped, has been declared a crime scene, with police focusing on securing the area and preventing escape routes for the illegal miners.