Court Orders South African Police to Lift Blockade on Illegal Miners

A South African court has mandated police to allow trapped illegal miners to exit a Stilfontein gold mine, ending a standoff over food and water supplies.

• Hundreds of illegal miners have been trapped in a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, due to a police blockade that cut off essential supplies.
• The court ruling permits emergency services to access the mine and provide relief, while allowing miners to exit without interference.
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of safely recovering the miners and respecting their rights during the police operation.
• Authorities have arrested over 1,000 miners who resurfaced, and concerns remain about the health and safety of those still underground.
• The situation highlights ongoing issues with illegal mining in South Africa, driven by unemployment and organized crime, costing the economy billions annually.

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