South Africa is struggling with abandoned mines becoming havens for criminal gangs and illegal activities. In recent weeks, illegal miners trapped in a gold mine in the northwest of the country have attracted attention in a crisis that has reached the proportions of a human tragedy. Allegations of “cannibalism” have come to the fore among illegal miners who have been struggling with hunger and thirst since November.
Authorities in the North West province stilfontein located in the region Buffelsfontein mineHe chose a harsh method to neutralize the illegal miners who settled there: Cutting off food and water supplies. However, it is claimed that this decision had unexpected and terrible consequences.
Allegations of Cannibalism are on the Agenda!
human rights organization The Action Union of Communities Affected by Mining (MACUA) included striking claims in its petition to the South African Constitutional Court. The organization said that illegal miners struggling to survive died due to hunger. He has to eat the corpses of his friends He claimed that he remained. This situation caused great repercussions among both the public and the authorities in the country.
In the petition submitted by MACUA to the court, it was stated that the government’s failure to take steps to save the trapped miners was against the law and requested urgent intervention. It was emphasized that hundreds of trapped miners were facing death and hunger, and it was claimed that many bodies were found inside the mine.
In the application previously made to the Pretoria High Court, the government was called to provide food and drink aid to the miners and to ensure their safe evacuation. However, this request was rejected by the court.
Response from the Government and Police: Allegations Still Unclear
North West State Police Spokesperson Adele Myburgh said in a statement to state television SABC: “cannibalism” He stated that his claims were based on letters sent underground by miners. Myburgh, “This claim cannot be confirmed or denied at this stage. “We have no physical evidence.” he said.
In the statement made by the government, it was stated that illegal miners were able to leave the mine by their own means and that some of them preferred delayed exits to avoid surrendering. It was also stated that available evidence shows that the miners did not suffer from food shortages.
Socioeconomic Factors Fuel Illegal Mining
While government officials emphasized their determination to fight illegal mining, they drew attention to the socioeconomic conditions that push people to these activities. South Africa’In China, illegal miners, known as “zama zama”, search for precious metals such as gold and chromium in abandoned or active mines with dangerous gas leaks.
It is estimated that 10 thousand to 30 thousand people in the country are directly involved in illegal mining activities. The annual cost of illegal gold mining alone to the South African economy is around $3.8 billion.
Government Policies Created Controversy
Presidential Affairs Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said illegal miners would be arrested if necessary. “will be taken out in smoke” His statement resonated widely with the public and caused reactions. So far, nearly 1,500 miners have left the mine and surrendered to the police. However, it is stated that hundreds of people still refuse to surrender.
While the incident caused great repercussions in national and international public opinion, human rights organizations continue to criticize the government’s attitude. Pressure continues to resolve the situation as soon as possible and save the lives of the trapped miners.
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