Stilfontein, South Africa - The death toll in a tragic standoff between South African authorities and a group of miners trapped in an abandoned gold mine has risen to at least 87, police confirmed on Thursday. This grim milestone comes amid mounting public anger and calls for an independent investigation into the government's initial refusal to assist the miners and their controversial decision to "smoke them out" by cutting off their food and water supplies.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe revealed that 78 bodies were recovered during a court-ordered rescue operation that began on Monday. An additional nine bodies were found prior to the official rescue effort.

The miners, who had been working illegally in the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, are believed to have succumbed to starvation and dehydration. However, official causes of death have not yet been released.

Controversial "Smoke Out" Tactics

The government's initial response to the situation drew widespread condemnation. Authorities, citing the miners' "criminal" status, refused to intervene and instead implemented a strategy to force them to surface by cutting off their access to food and water. This tactic, described by a prominent Cabinet minister, was harshly criticized by trade unions and human rights groups.

Further fueling public outrage were allegations that police and mine owners dismantled a pulley system used by the miners to receive supplies from the surface.

Court-Ordered Intervention

Following public pressure and legal challenges, a court order was issued last year mandating the provision of food and water to the trapped miners. Subsequently, another court ruling last week compelled authorities to launch a formal rescue operation.

Community-Led Rescue Efforts

The desperation of the situation led community members to initiate their own rescue attempts, pulling out decomposing bodies – some with poignant notes pleading for help – weeks before the official rescue operation commenced.

Calls for Accountability

Johannes Qankase, a local community leader, expressed his frustration, stating, "If the police had acted earlier, we would not be in this situation, with bodies piling up. It is a disgrace for a constitutional democracy like ours. Somebody needs to account for what has happened here."

The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-largest political party, echoed these sentiments, calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish an independent inquiry to investigate the government's handling of the crisis.

Scale of the Tragedy

Authorities now estimate that nearly 2,000 miners were working illegally within the mine. While many managed to escape on their own, all survivors, including those rescued in a severely emaciated state, have been arrested.

Hazardous Rescue Operation

The mine's intricate network of tunnels and deep shafts presented significant challenges to rescuers. Two volunteer rescuers from the local community played a crucial role in assisting the trapped miners, despite the inherent dangers of the operation.

Focus on Illegal Mining

The Buffelsfontein Gold Mine incident highlights the ongoing struggle with illegal mining in South Africa. Thousands of "zama zamas," often undocumented foreign nationals, engage in this dangerous and illegal activity, posing significant safety risks and causing substantial economic losses to the country.

Government's Stance

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu defended the government's actions, denying any responsibility for the miners' deaths and maintaining that food and water were provided. He emphasized the need to combat illegal mining activities, stating that aiding the miners would be tantamount to condoning criminal behavior.

Public Reaction

While the disaster has sparked widespread condemnation of the government's handling of the situation, public outrage has not been as widespread as some might expect. The presence of undocumented foreign nationals among the miners has contributed to a more muted public response in a country grappling with high crime rates and social tensions.

Conclusion

The tragic events at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with illegal mining in South Africa. The incident has raised serious questions about the government's approach to this issue and the need for a more humane and effective strategy to address the challenges posed by illegal mining activities.