Rescue Operation at South African Gold Mine

The death toll from the illegal mining tragedy at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, has risen to 60, with ongoing rescue operations recovering 132 survivors so far. Police have arrested 106 illegal miners, many of whom are foreign nationals, as part of a crackdown on illegal mining that has intensified since August 2024. The South African government has faced backlash for its controversial tactics, which included blocking food and water supplies to force miners to the surface, resulting in accusations of state negligence. Critics, including the Democratic Alliance, are calling for an independent inquiry into the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Despite the arrests, the situation remains dire, with many miners reportedly enduring months underground under horrific conditions. Authorities have confirmed that over 1,500 illegal miners have been apprehended since the operation began, with some already facing deportation.