Authorities are still uncertain about the number of people trapped in an abandoned goldmine in Stilfontein, South Africa. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has promised to rescue everyone stuck in the mine as quickly as possible. The operation to free the miners has outraged many, with concerns about the well-being of those underground. Initial reports suggested up to 4,000 miners were trapped, but it is now estimated to be between 350 to 400 individuals.
Three teenagers who recently emerged from the mine spoke of mistreatment and poor conditions underground. They revealed that they were not rescued by the government but were allowed to leave. Illegal gold mining is prevalent in South Africa due to poverty and lack of job opportunities, with many individuals turning to illegal mining as a means of survival.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the police’s actions to cut off supplies to the mine in order to force the miners to resurface. Over 1,000 miners have been arrested so far, with those in good health being processed according to the law.
Mchunu suggested that neighboring countries should create more job opportunities to prevent their citizens from resorting to illegal mining in South Africa. Illegal mining costs the country over $1 billion in revenue annually and poses serious safety risks to all involved. The government needs to address the root causes of illegal mining and find sustainable solutions to prevent further tragedies like the one in Stilfontein.
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