Massacre: Did South Africa Starve Trapped Miners to Death?
Rights groups allege that South African authorities used starvation as a weapon against illegal miners trapped in Stilfontein, leading to nearly 80 deaths.
A prolonged standoff between authorities and illegal miners in Stilfontein ended with at least 78 deaths, reportedly from starvation, according to human rights organizations.
On Thursday, police confirmed the conclusion of a court-ordered rescue operation. Authorities claimed no survivors or bodies remained in the deep, interconnected mine after deploying cameras to inspect the site. In total, 246 survivors—many appearing severely malnourished—were rescued.
Rights groups criticized the government for what they termed a “massacre,” accusing officials of deliberately cutting off food and essentials to the miners for weeks and delaying the rescue.
What Happened?
Since September, hundreds—possibly thousands—of illegal miners were reportedly trapped in Stilfontein’s mine network without food or water after police surrounded the site and restricted supplies.
The Stilfontein mine consists of multiple entry points spread kilometers apart. Authorities blocked off some exits, claiming others were accessible, but activists argued the distance made escape nearly impossible, effectively trapping the miners.
Despite pleas from families and activists for an official rescue mission, officials resisted. Presidency Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated their intent was to “smoke them out,” prompting human rights groups to warn of mass casualties.
In October, a court ordered police to allow food deliveries and limited rescues using ropes. Sporadic efforts by community members rescued several miners, but conditions underground worsened. Survivors recounted eating cockroaches and human flesh to survive.
Videos showing piles of bodies in the mine emerged, leading to a January lawsuit against the government. Last week, a judge ordered authorities to launch a full rescue operation. By Monday, a specialist team retrieved 324 individuals, both alive and deceased. However, families of missing miners remain searching for their loved ones.
South Africa’s Illegal Mining Crisis
Illegal miners, known locally as zama zamas, scavenge abandoned or unsafe mines for gold and precious metals. These operations, often run by poor, undocumented migrants from neighboring countries, cost South Africa billions annually.
zama zamas are associated with criminal syndicates, gang wars, and exploitation. Miners endure months underground using basic tools, relying on contractors outside for food, water, and supplies.
Why Didn’t the Government Act Sooner?
Police spokesperson Athlende Mathe denied responsibility, blaming syndicates and mine owners for the deaths. Authorities initially planned to arrest miners as they exited, part of “Close the Hole” (Vala Umgodi), a crackdown launched in December 2023 to shut illegal mines.
Critics, however, condemned the operation, arguing it disregarded human rights. Activists highlighted that the miners were too weak to escape and labeled the delay in rescue efforts as inhumane.
Rights Groups’ Reaction
Human rights groups decried the government’s slow response, calling it deliberate negligence.
Mzukusi Jam, a community activist, described the operation as coerced rather than voluntary. The miners’ rights group MACUA labeled the crisis a “massacre, if not genocide,” accusing officials of intentionally using starvation as a weapon.
Activists also criticized the government’s xenophobic approach, claiming that anti-migrant bias influenced their handling of the crisis.
What’s Next?
Rescued miners are receiving medical treatment and face potential legal charges. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) party has called for a transparent investigation, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to hold all responsible parties accountable, including mine operators and government agencies.
The DA insists that a full inquiry is essential to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
