A devastating situation is unfolding at a disused gold mine in South Africa, where scores of illegal miners have been living underground for months. Disturbing videos have emerged, showing corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags and emaciated miners struggling to survive ¹. The miners, known locally as "zama zamas," have been trapped since police operations targeting illicit mining began last year.

The authorities took a hard line, blocking food and water supplies, with one government minister stating, "We are going to smoke them out." However, this approach has been widely criticized, with many blaming the authorities for the dire situation. The General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa) trade union has released videos showing the shocking conditions, with miners pleading for help and food. The union's president, Mametlwe Sebei, has described the situation as a "Stilfontein massacre," blaming the authorities for their "treacherous policy."

A long-delayed rescue operation, facilitated by a court order, began on Monday and is ongoing. The department of mineral resources is leading the effort, using a cage to lift miners to safety. By the end of Monday, 26 miners had been rescued alive, along with nine bodies. However, hundreds are still believed to be trapped underground, and the full extent of the tragedy is yet to be confirmed.

The rescue operation is a complex and delicate process, with the department of mineral resources working to prioritize those in need of medical attention. A briefing is scheduled for Tuesday to provide an update on the operation. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the South African government faces tough questions about its handling of the crisis and its treatment of the illegal miners.