The humanitarian crisis at Stilfontein mine deepened on Monday as reports emerged that illegal miners trapped underground are pleading for antiretroviral (ARV) medication.
Story Summary:
- Illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein mine are pleading for antiretroviral (ARV) medication amid deteriorating health conditions.
- Rescue efforts by volunteers have been suspended as police and the army tighten Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at halting illegal mining.
- Over 1,000 miners have surfaced since October, but thousands remain underground, facing severe dehydration and hunger.
Infected miners trapped in Stilfontein mine plead for ARVs
A handwritten note, believed to be from the miners, surfaced, detailing their urgent need for ARVs and raising concerns about their health.
Many of the trapped individuals, reportedly living in dire conditions without access to basic necessities, have gone weeks without food, water, or medical care. The health of HIV-positive miners, who rely on consistent ARV treatment, is particularly at risk.
A local community member who recently engaged with the miners described them as “too weak to come up.” The lack of food and medication, coupled with hazardous underground conditions, has sparked growing concern from human rights groups and local communities.
What’s the latest on the operation?
Operation Vala Umgodi, spearheaded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), continues to crack down on illegal mining activities in Stilfontein.
The operation involves sealing mine access points and restricting supplies to force miners to surface.
Since 18 October, more than 1,000 illegal miners have emerged, citing extreme hunger and dehydration.
However, it’s estimated that approximately 4,500 miners remain underground.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged law enforcement to proceed cautiously, warning about the risks posed by the hazardous materials and conditions in abandoned mines.
“Illegal mining is a form of criminality that has caused a great deal of anger and anguish in communities,” Ramaphosa stated in his weekly newsletter.
Efforts to aid the trapped miners remain controversial.
Volunteers temporarily suspended rescue attempts over the weekend as law enforcement intensified its presence at the site.
Rescue teams previously used a 1,800-metre rope to pull miners to the surface, but this method has been paused amid rising tensions.
