36 dead, 82 saved: South Africa recovers bodies arrests, survivors from illegal mine | WATCH

World News: A dramatic rescue operation in South Africa has led to the recovery of 36 bodies and 82 survivors from an illegal gold mine in Stilfontein. The incident highlights the dangerous underworld of illegal mining and the government's controversial crackdown on this illicit trade.

A Deadly Rescue Operation: 36 Bodies Recovered

In the past two days of intense operations, South African police have retrieved 36 dead bodies from an illegal gold mine deep underground in Stilfontein, some 150 km from Johannesburg. Along with these grim discoveries, 82 survivors were brought to the surface, but they now face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations. The operation to retrieve more bodies and men is expected to continue for several days, with authorities providing daily updates.

General Industries Workers Union of South Africa says more than 34 bodies and over 80 illegal miners have so far been retrieved since the start of the government-led retrieval mission began in Stilfontein. Operations are set to go well into the evening. #Newzroom405's… pic.twitter.com/BfS0WKQrxN

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 14, 2025

 A Harsh Government Crackdown

The government had been conducting a siege of the Stilfontein mine since August, cutting food and water supply to force out the miners onto the surface. While the government has framed its move as part of a comprehensive initiative to stem illegal mining - an activity both economically harmful and dangerous - it has been blamed for unnecessary death. It has caused great anger among local communities and human rights groups especially since many of the miners involved in this trade are undocumented immigrants from other African countries.

Human Toll of Illegal Mining

The illegal mining business that generates billions of dollars in turnover often involves miners scavenging remaining precious metals from abandoned mines that were once commercially exploitable. The conditions are treacherous, and hundreds of miners are still trapped deep in Stilfontein's depths, and some may never be seen alive again. Residents, such as Matumelo, whose husband disappeared in June, are left to wonder if their loved ones are dead or alive. Protesters are calling for more aid for the miners, holding up placards reading, "Stop the Sacrifice. #FreeTheMiners." 

Public Protests and Human Rights Issues

Despite the government's tough stance on illegal mining, many people feel that the crackdown is a violation of human rights. With the operation called "Vala Umgodi," or "Close the Hole," critics say that criminalization ignores the dire need for survival of the miners. Amidst all this controversy, the South African government has to find a balance between enforcement and humanitarian concerns.