South Africa’s Illegal Mining Horror: 17 Miners Escape Forced Labour and Armed Intimidation in Stilfontein
Seventeen illegal miners emerged from two shafts in Stilfontein, South Africa, on Thursday, uncovering shocking allegations of forced labor and armed intimidation in the region’s illegal mining operations.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, 14 miners surfaced from the Margaret Shaft, while three others emerged from Shaft 10. The group includes foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, all of whom are now being processed by authorities.
In a parallel development, approximately 300 illegal miners appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of illegal mining and immigration law violations.
Among those who resurfaced was a 19-year-old miner who recounted a harrowing six-month ordeal underground. Lured by the promise of part-time work, he revealed the oppressive conditions imposed by armed mine bosses, reportedly of Basotho origin.
“There are snipers down there. They will beat you if you want to leave,” he alleged, describing the mines as “wet and not good.” The teenager shared that he survived by eating toothpaste and escaping out of desperation, leaving behind others still trapped.
He also claimed to have been forced to mine 25 grams of gold during his captivity.
This grim revelation highlights the severe exploitation and human rights abuses faced by illegal miners in South Africa. Authorities are now investigating the claims while working to address the systemic issues fueling the region.
