South Africa Halts Rescue Operation for Trapped Illegal Miners Over Safety Concerns
South African authorities suspended rescue efforts on Monday for an unspecified number of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft west of Johannesburg, citing safety risks.
Rescue teams descended 70 meters into the shaft but were forced to halt operations when conditions became too dangerous. “The search and rescue operation has been terminated for now due to the safety of the rescuers,” said Robert Mulaudzi of Johannesburg Emergency Services, adding that such operations are highly complex.
The miners became trapped after a pulley system used for entry and exit snapped, according to national broadcaster SABC. Authorities have not disclosed the mine owner’s identity.
Rescue teams are now exploring alternative entry points and engaging with local community members for information.
Illegal mining is widespread in South Africa, where undocumented miners, known as zama zamas—a Zulu term meaning “taking a chance”—extract remaining resources from abandoned mines.
Last month, at least 78 bodies were recovered from an illegal gold mine after police had cut off food and water supplies for months in an effort to curb the practice.
