Ramaphosa Calls for Safe Recovery of Trapped Miners

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged for the safe recovery of illegal miners trapped in a disused mine shaft, emphasizing that lives should not be jeopardized in the ongoing standoff with police. Authorities have cut off food and water supplies to the miners to compel them to surface and face arrest for illegal mining activities, an issue that has persisted in the country for decades. Ramaphosa acknowledged the precarious situation and criticized the police's methods, calling for respect for the miners' rights. He stated that the government would collaborate with the mining industry to address illegal mining, which has significant economic implications. Recent reports indicate that over 1,000 illegal miners have emerged, but hundreds remain underground. Volunteers have managed to rescue 12 miners since the crisis began, raising concerns about the well-being of those still trapped.