Six bodies were recovered from an abandoned goldmine in Stilfontein, South Africa, over the past two days, local officials reported.
Johannes Qankase, a spokesman for the nearby Khuma township, confirmed that four bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, with two found the day before.
The goldmine, located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg, has been a hotbed of illegal mining activity. Hundreds of “zama zamas” — clandestine miners — continue to work underground despite the dangers and police efforts to dismantle the operation.
Local authorities, who have surrounded the mine for the past month, are intensifying their efforts to dislodge the miners. They have been limiting water and food supplies in an attempt to force the miners to leave.
The exact number of miners still trapped underground remains uncertain. While some locals estimate up to 4,000 miners are working at the site, police suggest the figure is closer to a few hundred.
The “zama zamas,” many hailing from neighboring countries like Mozambique and Lesotho, endure harsh conditions to extract valuable minerals in South Africa’s rich gold reserves.
While the miners’ presence provides a source of income for many, their activities are associated with rising crime in the area. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has labeled the illegal mining operations a “menace” to the country’s economy and security.
Authorities are continuing their crackdown on illegal mining, hoping to bring an end to the dangerous and illicit practices in the region.
