JOHANNESBURG: At least 100 illegal miners have reportedly died in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, according to a group representing affected mining communities. The miners, who were trapped underground for several months, are believed to have succumbed to dehydration and starvation.

Sabelo Mnguni, spokesperson for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group, revealed that a cellphone retrieved from some survivors on Friday contained videos showing dozens of bodies wrapped in plastic. The tragic incident occurred at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine near Stilfontein in North West province, where authorities had launched an operation in November to remove illegal miners and seal the site.

Mining group spokesman said that at least 18 bodies had been brought to the surface since Friday. Nine of these were recovered by local community efforts, while the remaining nine were retrieved during an official rescue operation on Monday. In addition, 26 miners were rescued and brought out alive.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of recovered bodies or survivors, but a new rescue operation is ongoing, with hopes to evacuate the remaining miners. Mnguni estimates that over 500 individuals are still trapped underground.

The dire situation unfolded after police reportedly removed the ropes used by the miners to access the mine, leaving them stranded. Police spokesperson Brig. Sebata Mokgwabone said efforts are underway to verify the information and assist those still underground.

Illegal mining remains a significant issue in South Africa, particularly in areas where gold-rich mines have been abandoned due to declining profitability. Desperate individuals often risk their lives to extract whatever remnants of gold may remain.

It is reported that a tense showdown has been unfolding at the mine for weeks. It all started two months ago when authorities tried to shut down the operation and kick out the miners. But the miners refused to budge, and the situation quickly escalated.

Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made it clear that the government won't be providing aid to individuals involved in illicit activities. Instead, they'll be taking a firm stance to bring them to justice. "We're not going to assist criminals," she emphasized.

This tragedy highlights the severe risks involved in illegal mining and raises questions about the measures taken to secure abandoned mines and protect vulnerable individuals from such hazardous situations.