South Africa’s Stilfontein mine: Blocked shaft where dozens die

Of the 87 dead, only two have been identified, police said on Thursday, explaining that the fact that many immigrants are undocumented makes the process more difficult.

“We are of the view that the government has blood on its hands,” Magnificent Mndebele from the group Mining Impacted Communities United in Action (Macua), told the BBC.

He said the miners did not give any warning of what was going to happen before the police operation began.

Over the past two months, Macua has been at the forefront of various court battles initiated to force the government to first allow supplies and then carry out rescue operations.

Blaming the government echoed earlier statements from families who said authorities killed their loved ones.

They have taken a hard line since the operation increased. In November, a minister, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the now infamous statement at a press briefing that they were going to “smoke them”.

The country refused to allow food to be delivered or anyone to help the miners, only caving in after several successful court applications.

In November, a small portion of instant corn and water reached the bottom of the shaft, but in a court statement, one of the miners said it was not enough for the hundreds of men below, many of whom were too weak to chew and swallow. they are.

More food was sent in December, but again could not support the men.

Given that the operation to bring up the men and crew lasted only three days, what is difficult for Mr. Mndebele to understand why this could not have been done sooner, if it is clear that there is a problem.

“We are disappointed with our government, frankly, because this help is late.”

While the government has yet to officially respond to these allegations, the police have vowed to continue a larger operation to clear the country’s disused mines until May this year.

Speaking to reporters in Stilfontein on Tuesday, Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe was unapologetic. He said the government would strengthen the fight against illegal mining, which he labeled a crime and an “economic attack”.

On Thursday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was a little more conciliatory.

“I understand and accept that this is an emotional issue. Everyone wants to judge…

Police have defended their actions, saying providing miners with food would “allow criminality to flourish”.

Illegal miners are accused of promoting criminality in the communities where they operate.

A number of stories have been published in the local media linking zama zamas to various rapes and murders.

But for Mkwayi, who put his own safety on the line to help the miners, the men at the Stilfontein mine were just trying to make a living.

“People descend 2km with ropes and risk their lives to put food on the table for their families.”

He said he wanted the government to grant licenses to artisanal miners who were forced into disused mines due to South Africa’s high unemployment rate.

“If your children are hungry, you will not think twice about going down there because you have to feed them. You will risk your life to put food on the table.”