Illegal mining tragedy leaves eight injured in Rustenburg
At least 14 artisanal miners have died and eight others have been injured after an illegal mine collapsed near Rustenburg in South Africa’s North West province, police said.
Search operation underway
The cave-in happened on Monday night at a former mining site about 130 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg.
Police initially believed a mine shaft had collapsed but later said the incident occurred at an open excavation where a heap of earth gave way.
Search teams are using sniffer dogs and specialised equipment to determine whether anyone else remains trapped.
Most victims from Lesotho
North West provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Arthur Adams said all 14 people who died were men. Most were believed to be nationals of neighbouring Lesotho.
Three injured miners were discharged from hospital and arrested on suspicion of illegal mining, while five others remain hospitalised under police guard.
Illegal mining remains a major problem
Thousands of artisanal miners, commonly known as “zama zamas”, operate illegally in abandoned South African gold and platinum mines.
Many work without proper safety equipment and can remain underground for extended periods. Some illegal mining operations are also linked to criminal syndicates and violent territorial disputes.
Government intensifies crackdown
The latest incident highlights the dangers associated with illegal mining in South Africa.
In late 2024, more than 80 miners died during a months-long standoff at a gold mine surrounded by police.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also deployed soldiers as part of a yearlong operation targeting organised crime, with illegal mining among its key priorities.
