At Least 78 Dead as Standoff at South African Mine Ends

A months-long standoff between South African authorities and illegal miners trapped in the Stilfontein mine ended this week with at least 78 deaths, most likely from starvation, according to rights groups. The rescue operation, which began on Monday following a court order, has now concluded, with police confirming no more survivors or bodies were found after extensive searches in the deep mine.

A total of 246 survivors were rescued from the abandoned mine, many appearing gaunt and emaciated after being cut off from food and essential supplies for several weeks. The miners, who had been trapped since September, were surrounded by police who sealed off exits and halted food deliveries, despite pleas from the miners’ families and community members for an official rescue.

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Human rights groups have condemned the government’s handling of the situation, calling it a “massacre” after authorities delayed the rescue and effectively trapped the miners underground. Activists argue that the police’s actions led to unnecessary deaths, as miners were forced to survive without adequate food and water in the vast tunnel network.

In response to the escalating crisis, a court order in October allowed some food to be sent down, and sporadic rescues using ropes began. However, it was only after civil rights groups took legal action in January, following disturbing footage of dead bodies in the mine, that more organised efforts to evacuate the remaining miners were initiated. Rescued miners have since revealed harrowing details of the conditions underground, including forced consumption of cockroaches and human flesh to survive.