The death of 100 laborers in illegal mining in South Africa has shocked everyone. These laborers trapped in the mine were struggling with hunger and thirst for several months. About 100 workers were trapped in the gold mines in Buffelsfontein, near the South African town of Stilfontein. While taking them out, it was discovered that they had died of hunger and thirst.
As many as 500 workers are still likely to be trapped there.
Information about the incident was obtained from a video sent by the laborers via mobile phone, in which the bodies are shown wrapped in plastic. According to the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group, 26 laborers have been rescued alive and 18 bodies have been recovered so far during the relief operation. However, the mine is so deep that up to 500 workers are still likely to be trapped there. The depth of the mine is said to be 2.5 km.
Clash between police and laborers
Clashes broke out between the laborers and the police after the police tried to seal the mine. The police said the workers were not coming out for fear of arrest, while the workers alleged that the police had removed their ropes, preventing them from coming out.
Death from hunger and thirst
The post mortem report stated that the first cause of death was starvation. All the workers died due to the cut off of food and water supply in the mine. The death of the laborers has raised serious questions about the safety and management of the mine.
Illegal mining practices
Illegal mining is a common problem in South Africa. When the big companies abandon the mines as useless, local miners try to extract the remaining gold. This dangerous situation becomes a threat to their lives.
