14 clandestine miners killed in disused South African mine
The disaster occurred near the town of Rustenburg, about 100km northwest of Johannesburg, where police said eight other miners were seriously injured.
Fourteen clandestine miners lost their lives and eight others sustained serious injuries in a rockfall at a disused gold mine in South Africa, according to police officials on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred near the town of Rustenburg, located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg. The identities of the victims, including their nationalities, remain undisclosed as officials continue their journey to the site.
South Africa is home to thousands of unregistered miners, commonly known as "zama zamas," who venture into abandoned mines in search of gold and other minerals. These miners, who come from various parts of southern Africa, are driven by extreme poverty and unemployment. The mining sector has been associated with organized crime, assassinations, extortion, and other illicit activities.
Colonial Adele Myburgh, a provincial police spokeswoman, emphasized the hazardous nature of their work, stating that the mine shafts are dilapidated and lack essential infrastructure and safety measures.
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