At least 14 illegal miners have been killed and eight others injured after a wall collapsed inside an unauthorized mine in South Africa, according to police. ABC News reported the incident on Tuesday, citing local authorities.
The collapse occurred near Rustenburg, one of South Africa’s leading platinum-producing regions, located about 130 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. Emergency responders launched a search-and-rescue operation immediately after the incident.
The North West Province Police Commissioner said rescue teams are using specially trained search dogs and specialized equipment to determine whether additional victims remain trapped beneath the debris.
Of the eight injured miners, three have been discharged from hospital and arrested on allegations of participating in illegal mining activities. The remaining five are receiving medical treatment under police guard, authorities said.
In South Africa, individuals who illegally extract minerals from abandoned gold and platinum mines—often without protective equipment—are commonly known as “zama zamas.” Authorities say many of these illegal mining groups are linked to organized criminal networks, with violent clashes over control of mining sites posing a growing threat to nearby communities.
In response to rising illegal mining and related criminal activity, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched a year-long nationwide security operation earlier this year, deploying the military to combat organized crime and improve safety across the country’s mining sector.
The latest tragedy comes months after more than 80 illegal miners died in late 2024 after becoming trapped in a police-surrounded gold mine. The recent collapse has once again highlighted the severe dangers and persistent security challenges associated with illegal mining in South Africa.
Source: ABC News.