Tense Standoff Continues as South African Illegal Miners Trapped Underground

Authorities and volunteers work to safely rescue hundreds of miners stuck in Stilfontein's abandoned shaft.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa insists on a safe recovery for illegal miners trapped in a Stilfontein mine, while defending police actions to cut off supplies.
The Pretoria High Court ordered police to allow food and water supplies to reach the miners after activists raised concerns about their welfare.
Estimates of those trapped range from hundreds to thousands, with conditions underground deteriorating due to lack of food and essential supplies.
Volunteers are manually rescuing miners using ropes, with reports of severe malnutrition and at least one confirmed death.
Illegal mining in South Africa is a significant issue, involving criminal networks and undocumented migrants, resulting in substantial economic losses.