Hundreds of illegal miners face a terrible Christmas underground in Stilfontein

The lawsuit was filed by Communities Affected by Mining United in Action (Macua), whose executive director, Christopher Rutledge, expressed his deep disappointment in the court ruling issued on Tuesday (12/24).

“The court recognized that the miners are trapped, but refused to hold the state responsible or force the police to remove them,” Rutledge said. “This interpretation does not defend the constitutional right to life, which is sacrosanct. The police, as guardians of law and order, are obliged to protect this right.”

Rutledge revealed alarming reports from the miners, including claims of cannibalism as they struggle to survive underground. “People are dying in large numbers and, in their desperation, some miners have resorted to feeding on the remains of the dead. “It is a humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored.”

A translated letter from the miners shared on social media highlighted the worsening situation. The writers called Axis 10 a death trap, where many die trying to get out, only to fall to their deaths. The bodies remain underground, compounding the miners’ desperation. “We ask for help. Many are sick, weak and dying. Those who attempt to escape face serious risks,” the letter said.

The zama zamas that emerged earlier supposedly had clandestine “bosses” who controlled food supplies and restricted movement, effectively holding the miners hostage.

“The delay in state intervention costs lives every day. Miners are trapped at depths of (up to) 2.6 km, with no viable means of escape. The conditions are appalling and every day that passes without action, the crisis worsens.”

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola had expressed concern about the unrestricted flow of supplies underground, warning that it could encourage miners to prolong their stay, possibly for up to a year.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu dismissed allegations of human rights violations in the crackdown on illegal mining operations, maintaining that the government’s priority remains enforcing the law and ensuring public safety.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi