South Africa Launches Task Force for Trapped Miners

In South Africa, authorities have formed a team of mine rescue experts to address the situation of illegal miners trapped in a disused gold mine southwest of Johannesburg. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the 2,500-meter deep mineshaft poses significant risks to the miners, who may also be heavily armed. The government has shut down access points used to deliver food and supplies to the miners as part of a strategy to compel them to surface and face arrest. Despite this, volunteer rescue workers and community members are calling for the miners to be rescued without immediate arrest due to safety concerns. A body believed to be one of the miners has been recovered, adding to the anguish of families waiting for news. The dynamic situation reflects a mix of government intervention and community pressure as the standoff continues.