14 suspected illegal miners killed in South Africa dump site collapse, police say
By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent A catastrophic mine dump collapse in South Africa’s North West province has claimed the lives of 14 suspected illegal miners. The disaster occurred on Monday night near Rustenburg. Police have launched an official investigation into the incident. The site was actively operated by a licensed private mining company. […]
A deadly mine collapse in South Africa has left 14 suspected illegal miners dead, with authorities warning that more victims may remain trapped underground. The disaster unfolded near Rustenburg in the North West province on Monday night, targeting a site operated by a licensed private mining firm. The illegal miners, known as "zama zamas," were excavating for platinum group metals when the structure collapsed.
Eight injured miners, three of whom have since recovered, are receiving medical treatment. Thirty-two-year-old Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, regional police chief, confirmed the excavation efforts have temporarily ceased. Search and rescue teams are diligently investigating the rubble in search of additional survivors. All surviving zama zamas will be prosecuted for illegal mining and trespassing.
South Africa's informal mining sector grapples with hazardous conditions and fatalities, as the country struggles with decades of illicit extraction. The dwindling formal mining industry has left abandoned infrastructure, attracting desperate migrants in pursuit of precious metals.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
