STILFONTEIN: Rescuers ended efforts Thursday at a Stilfontein illegal mine, confirming no one else was trapped underground.
A police siege lasting months resulted in at least 78 deaths and sparked accusations of state violence.
Since Monday, 246 survivors and the bodies of 78 miners were retrieved using a cylindrical metal cage.
Many survivors, mostly immigrants, appeared emaciated and disoriented when brought to the surface.
Police Actions Face Harsh Criticism
Authorities claim the siege enforced anti-illegal mining laws but denied food and water to trapped miners.
Rights groups labeled this the “worst state-sponsored massacre” since South Africa’s apartheid era ended.
Those rescued are mainly from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho and face immigration and mining-related charges.
Volunteers assisting rescue efforts described deep emotional trauma from witnessing the mass death firsthand.
Volunteer Accounts Highlight Humanity Amid Tragedy
Volunteer Mzwandile Mkwayi said rescuers encouraged survivors and honored victims, describing the grim task as unforgettable.
“I personally placed bodies in bags; it was heart-wrenching,” Mkwayi said, mourning the human cost.
He joined the effort, saying, “They’re our brothers. They lived among us in the township of Khuma.”
A final camera search of the shaft confirmed no miners remained, concluding the agonizing operation.
