The NGO United in Action has approached the Constitutional Court to address the crisis caused by illegal miners trapped in abandoned shafts. With urgent appeals for government action, the situation is dire and requires immediate attention.

Urgent Crisis of Illegal Miners in Stilfontein

The illegal mining crisis in Stilfontein has reached a critical point, affecting countless lives. NGO United in Action claims that approximately 900 miners remain trapped underground in dangerous conditions. The urgency of their situation demands immediate government action to ensure their safe recovery.

Desperate Measures and Human Rights Concerns

Reports of miners resorting to cannibalism to survive illustrate the severity of the situation. The conditions underground are horrendous, raising profound human rights issues that need addressing. The community has voiced concerns, insisting that the government's inaction exacerbates the crisis.

Community Struggles and Calls for State Intervention

The Stilfontein community faces significant challenges in gathering resources to aid in rescue efforts. Limited access to food and equipment is preventing effective extraction of miners. Local NGOs are calling on the government to assume responsibility and utilize state resources for safe rescues.

The NGO United in Action has taken the urgent step of appealing to the Constitutional Court in South Africa regarding the dire plight of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned shaft in Stilfontein. This move comes after their previous attempt at the Pretoria High Court was unsuccessful. The organization is seeking direct access to compel the government to expedite rescue operations for the miners, whose circumstances have become increasingly desperate. Reports indicate that some miners, referred to as 'Zama Zamas', have resorted to cannibalism in order to survive amidst the dire conditions they face underground. The situation in Stilfontein has escalated to an emergency level, where the community is struggling for resources to support those still trapped. The NGO reports that approximately 900 individuals remain underground, and their efforts to extract them have only yielded two to three successful rescues each day. Limited funds for food and equipment are hampering operations, prompting the NGO to urgently call for state intervention. The community, already facing poverty, finds it increasingly challenging to gather the necessary resources for rescue efforts. Adding to the chaos, a recent incident involving local law enforcement has raised suspicions among community members. The police damaged the pulley system that has been critical for extracting trapped miners shortly after a request was made to allow a cellphone to be sent down for documentation of the miners' situation. This act has left the community with no means of safely reaching the miners. The NGO argues that the state bears responsibility for the ongoing crisis and emphasizes the significance of prompt actions to prevent further loss of life. The situation has raised serious human rights concerns, necessitating immediate and productive interventions from government authorities to safeguard the lives of those trapped.