South Africa mine cave-in kills 14 illegal miners near Rustenburg

A mine wall collapsed near Rustenburg, killing at least 14 illicit miners and injuring eight. The accident has renewed scrutiny of South Africa's illegal mining networks and deadly safety lapses.

In Short

• Eight miners were injured, with five still hospitalised under police guard
• Three discharged survivors were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining
• Police used sniffer dogs and specialised equipment during the rescue effort

At least 14 artisanal miners were killed and eight others were injured after the walls of a mine caved in on them in South Africa, police said on Tuesday. A search operation was under way and it was not yet clear if more people were trapped underground.

The collapse happened on Monday night near Rustenburg, a major platinum mining area about 130 km northwest of Johannesburg. Police said the miners were operating illicitly, and sniffer dogs and specialised equipment were being used in the search.

North West provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Arthur Adams said three of the injured miners were discharged from hospital and placed under arrest on suspicion of illegal mining. The five others remained in hospital under police guard.

In a separate statement, police said most of those who died appeared to be nationals of neighbouring Lesotho. Tens of thousands of artisanal miners work illegally in South African gold and platinum mines that are no longer used by mining companies, or dig their own mines in search of deposits. They often work without proper safety equipment and can remain underground for weeks.

Illegal mining is a major problem in South Africa and, according to authorities, is linked to criminal syndicates. The informal miners are commonly known as zama zamas, loosely translated as "chance takers". They often operate in gangs, clash violently with rivals and are accused of terrorising local communities.

South Africa's most recent major illegal mining disaster was in late 2024, when hundreds of miners were trapped underground at a gold mine surrounded by police. The standoff lasted for months and more than 80 miners died underground, authorities said. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed soldiers on the streets in a year-long operation against organised crime, with illegal mining one of its focus areas. South Africa has the world's largest platinum reserves.

The latest cave-in near Rustenburg has again highlighted the dangers of illegal mining in South Africa, where many miners work in abandoned or informal shafts without safety measures and often under the shadow of organised crime.

With PTI Inputs

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