Illegal mining ringleader escaped during South Africa disaster with help from officers, police say
2 months, 1 week ago

Illegal mining ringleader escaped during South Africa disaster with help from officers, police say

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — A suspected illegal gold mining ringleader known as “Tiger” escaped from custody with help from police officers after resurfacing last week from a disused mine in South Africa where dozens of miners died and 246 were rescued, authorities said Monday. Police said that the suspect — identified as Lesotho national James Neo Tshoaeli but commonly known as “Tiger” — was among those who came out of the mine near the town of Stilfontein during a rescue operation last week following a monthslong standoff between police and men digging for gold illegally. Nearly 2,000 miners were working illegally underground at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine southwest of Johannesburg, police said. “Extensive investigations and tracing operations are underway to find those officials who aided his escape between Shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells,” Mathe said.

South Africa Illegal Mining Miners Underground Illegal Stilfontein Tiger Escaped Tshoaeli  tiger  escaped  mining  help  south  died  say  stilfontein  disaster  survivors  illegal  officers  miners  africa  groups  tshoaeli  underground  ringleader  shaft

History of this topic

South African horror story: Miners trapped inside illegal gold mine resort to cannibalism 'out of desperation'
1 month, 3 weeks ago

South African horror story: Miners trapped inside illegal gold mine resort to cannibalism 'out of desperation'

Hindustan Times  

Survivors trapped inside one of the deepest gold mines in South Africa have opened up about the horrors they faced while spending months without food and very little water. “Month-long standoff” Reportedly, the incident happened after the authorities cut off the food supply to the illegal miners for months to force them out of the old Buffelsfontein Gold Mine. They …

Trapped miners 'resorted to CANNIBALISM to survive': Survivors of South African horror describe how men 'cut parts of legs, arms and ribs for sustenance'
2 months ago

Trapped miners 'resorted to CANNIBALISM to survive': Survivors of South African horror describe how men 'cut parts of legs, arms and ribs for sustenance'

Daily Mail  

Illegal miners trapped in the depths of a South African gold mine resorted to cannibalism to survive after authorities cut off their food supply to force them out, it has been revealed. South African police continue their rescue operation at the Stilfontein mine at North West province of South Africa on January 16, 2025 An emaciated miner is pulled out …

The rescue of hundreds of miners in a deep South African gold mine began with a camera and a note
2 months ago

The rescue of hundreds of miners in a deep South African gold mine began with a camera and a note

Associated Press  

CARLETONVILLE, South Africa — A specialized camera was lowered late last year into an almost 2.6-kilometer- deep mineshaft in South Africa where hundreds of miners were reported to be trapped, starving, dehydrated and desperate to get out. With no architectural plans of the actual mineshaft and its levels and tunnels, the camera reached 1,280 meters underground and gave rescuers their …

Hunt for gang leader ‘Tiger’ who escaped South African death mine
2 months ago

Hunt for gang leader ‘Tiger’ who escaped South African death mine

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police in South Africa have …

South African police launch manhunt for gang leader of illegal mine
2 months, 1 week ago

South African police launch manhunt for gang leader of illegal mine

Hindustan Times  

By Nellie Peyton South African police launch manhunt for gang leader of illegal mine JOHANNESBURG, - South African police have launched a manhunt for a Lesotho gang member believed to have controlled operations at an illegal gold mine where 78 bodies were recovered last week during a police siege, from which he escaped. The alleged kingpin, known as "Tiger," surfaced …

7 illegal miners killed in shootout with army in Ghana gold mine
2 months, 1 week ago

7 illegal miners killed in shootout with army in Ghana gold mine

India Today  

A Ghanaian small-scale miners' association on Sunday said soldiers killed nine unarmed people at an AngloGold Ashanti mine on Saturday night, while the army said seven illegal miners had been killed in a firefight. Kofi Adams, local chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, told Reuters that nine people had been killed and fourteen severely injured in …

Stilfontein gold mine: Why did 87 people die in South Africa?
2 months, 1 week ago

Stilfontein gold mine: Why did 87 people die in South Africa?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The tragedy at the abandoned gold mine near the …

Why did 87 miners die trapped underground in South Africa as police tried to force their surrender?
2 months, 1 week ago

Why did 87 miners die trapped underground in South Africa as police tried to force their surrender?

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s president is facing calls to order an inquiry into a police operation that was meant to combat illegal mining but ended up leaving 87 miners to die underground as authorities attempted to force them to surrender during a monthslong standoff. Police forces launched an operation — dubbed “Close the Hole” — in late …

246 survivors, 78 bodies recovered from illegal mine in South Africa
2 months, 1 week ago

246 survivors, 78 bodies recovered from illegal mine in South Africa

China Daily  

Members of the South African police, patrol as they guard the mine shaft where rescue operations are ongoing as attempts are made to rescue illegal miners who have been underground for months in Stilfontein, South Africa, Jan 14, 2025. JOHANNESBURG -- A total of 246 survivors and 78 bodies have been brought to the ground over three days of rescue …

78 found dead in illegal South African gold mine - with hundreds still trapped
2 months, 1 week ago

78 found dead in illegal South African gold mine - with hundreds still trapped

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rescuers and volunteers have pulled …

78 Bodies Pulled From South Africa Gold Mine, With Hundreds More Believed Trapped
2 months, 1 week ago

78 Bodies Pulled From South Africa Gold Mine, With Hundreds More Believed Trapped

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING STILFONTEIN, South Africa — Rescuers and volunteers have pulled at least 78 dead miners and more than 160 survivors from an abandoned South African gold mine, where they have languished for over two months during a standoff with authorities who demanded they surrender to police because they were mining illegally. Forensic service workers carry body remains in …

South African police end mine rescue operation with at least 78 dead and 246 survivors
2 months, 1 week ago

South African police end mine rescue operation with at least 78 dead and 246 survivors

Associated Press  

STILFONTEIN, South Africa — South African police ended a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine on Wednesday and said they believe they have brought out all the survivors and retrieved all the bodies after hundreds of miners were trapped for months in one of the country’s deepest mines while working illegally. South Africa’s second biggest political party, which is …

South Africa gold mine tragedy: 36 bodies recovered, 86 survivors arrested for illegal mining
Top News
2 months, 1 week ago

South Africa gold mine tragedy: 36 bodies recovered, 86 survivors arrested for illegal mining

Firstpost  

The police said that the operation will continue for several days, as it involves the use of a metal cage to recover men and bodies from a mine shaft more than 2 km underground. Rescuers and South African Police Service officers carry remains in blue body bags during a rescue operation to retrieve illegal miners from an abandoned gold shaft …

South Africa tried to pressure informal gold miners by cutting off food. Now it’s pulling out bodies
2 months, 1 week ago

South Africa tried to pressure informal gold miners by cutting off food. Now it’s pulling out bodies

LA Times  

A miner is transported on a stretcher after he was rescued from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, on Tuesday. Rescuers and volunteers have pulled at least 78 dead miners and more than 160 survivors from an abandoned South African gold mine, where they have languished for over two months during a standoff with authorities who demanded they …

Rescuers pull survivors from South Africa mine as hundreds remain trapped
2 months, 1 week ago

Rescuers pull survivors from South Africa mine as hundreds remain trapped

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Police said that at least 36 bodies and 82 …

Are hundreds of South Africa miners dead, trapped underground?
Trending News
2 months, 1 week ago

Are hundreds of South Africa miners dead, trapped underground?

Firstpost  

South Africa’s Buffelsfontein Gold Mine has become the centre of a storm with civic groups saying 100 miners have died in an abandoned gold mine and that hundreds of others remain trapped deep underground, while authorities claim that the men can come out at any time but fear being arrested A miner is transported on a stretcher by rescue workers …

Why hundreds of miners are still trapped and feared starving in an abandoned South Africa mine
2 months, 1 week ago

Why hundreds of miners are still trapped and feared starving in an abandoned South Africa mine

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African authorities have come under intense scrutiny for their response after civic groups said hundreds of miners have been trapped deep in an abandoned gold mine for months, with more than 100 of them believed to have died of starvation or dehydration. Illegal mining is common in parts of gold-rich South Africa where companies …

Hundreds dead in South African gold mine as urgent rescue mission launched
Top News
2 months, 1 week ago

Hundreds dead in South African gold mine as urgent rescue mission launched

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A map of a gold mine in Buffelsfontein, South …

Dozens of survivors and dead pulled from abandoned South African mine as hundreds remain underground
2 months, 1 week ago

Dozens of survivors and dead pulled from abandoned South African mine as hundreds remain underground

Associated Press  

STILFONTEIN, South Africa — Months after South African authorities initially cut off supplies to miners working illegally in an abandoned gold mine, rescuers brought dozens of bodies and emaciated survivors to the surface Tuesday with hundreds more still believed to be underground, many of them dead and others too weak to come out on their own. At the time, a …

South Africa: Videos show dead bodies at disused gold mine
Top News
2 months, 1 week ago

South Africa: Videos show dead bodies at disused gold mine

Firstpost  

Authorities in South Africa began rescuing hundreds of people sheltering in an illegal gold mine with videos showing corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags and emaciated figures of some who are still alive deprived of food, water and medicines supplies Rescuers and South African Police Service officers carry remains in blue body bags during a rescue operation to retrieve illegal …

Rescuers bring out survivors and dead from a South African mine as hundreds remain deep underground
2 months, 1 week ago

Rescuers bring out survivors and dead from a South African mine as hundreds remain deep underground

LA Times  

Rescuers on Tuesday assist an illegal miner who was trapped deep in an abandoned gold mine for months in Stilfontein, South Africa. Months after South African authorities initially cut off supplies to miners working illegally in an abandoned gold mine, rescuers brought emaciated survivors to the surface Tuesday with hundreds more still believed to be underground, many of them dead …

At least 100 illegal miners died, 500 trapped in South African gold mine; Rescue operation underway
2 months, 1 week ago

At least 100 illegal miners died, 500 trapped in South African gold mine; Rescue operation underway

India TV News  

In an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, at least 100 men who were mining illegally, have died. A mobile phone sent to the surface with some rescued miners on Friday had two videos on it showing dozens of bodies underground wrapped in plastic, Sabelo Mnguni, a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group said. Police spokesperson …

Operation under way to rescue trapped miners from South African gold mine
2 months, 1 week ago

Operation under way to rescue trapped miners from South African gold mine

Al Jazeera  

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action group says at least 400 men remain trapped in the abandoned mine, where many are believed to have died. Rescuers have hoisted illegal miners and several bodies from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, where reports emerge that hundreds may be trapped and at least 100 may have already died. Mnguni said …

South Africa gold mine: Rescuers try to free men trapped in mine with scores reported dead
2 months, 1 week ago

South Africa gold mine: Rescuers try to free men trapped in mine with scores reported dead

CNN  

CNN — The South African government has launched a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine in the country’s North West province, where at least 109 men have died, a group representing the miners said, after local authorities cut off vital supplies in a dramatic bid to crack down on the country’s illegal mining trade. The police’s move – a …

Rescuers recover 36 bodies and 82 survivors from South African gold mine
2 months, 1 week ago

Rescuers recover 36 bodies and 82 survivors from South African gold mine

Al Jazeera  

Hundreds more survivors and dozens more bodies still underground, according to a miners rights group. South African rescuers have pulled 36 bodies and 82 survivors from a gold mine in two days of operations, police say, adding that the survivors would face illegal mining and immigration charges. Hundreds more survivors and dozens more bodies are still underground, according to a …

At least 100 die after becoming trapped for months in South African gold mine
2 months, 1 week ago

At least 100 die after becoming trapped for months in South African gold mine

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 100 men who …

At least 100 illegal miners have died while trapped in a South African mine for months, group says
2 months, 1 week ago

At least 100 illegal miners have died while trapped in a South African mine for months, group says

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — At least 100 men who were mining illegally in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa have died of suspected starvation and dehydration after being trapped deep underground for months while police tried to force them out, a group representing the miners said Monday. Mnguni said “a minimum” of 100 men had died in the mine in North …

Miners trapped underground in South Africa: What’s the latest?
4 months ago

Miners trapped underground in South Africa: What’s the latest?

Al Jazeera  

South African police this week arrested a group of 14 people who resurfaced from a gold mine that’s at the centre of a tense, weeks-long standoff between unauthorised miners and authorities in the northwestern town of Stilfontein. Informal miners have for decades combed once functional South African gold mines looking for gold deposits or other precious metal deposits. Officials prevented …

South Africa's illegal gold miners are locked in an underground standoff with police
4 months ago

South Africa's illegal gold miners are locked in an underground standoff with police

NPR  

South Africa's illegal gold miners are locked in an underground standoff with police toggle caption Shiraaz Mohamed/AFP via Getty Images JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Sleeping next to decomposing corpses and surviving on a foul mixture of toothpaste mixed with toilet paper. In South Africa, workers at illegal gold mines like these are known as "zama-zamas," meaning "one who takes a …

South African police maintain siege against 'illegal' underground miners despite court ordering access
4 months ago

South African police maintain siege against 'illegal' underground miners despite court ordering access

ABC  

Starving miners fearing arrest have spent months underground, blockaded by South African authorities who say they are cracking down on illegal operations. "So the police said, 'well, look, if we don't give them food for long enough, then if they surely they will come out'." Ms Mathe said "no police officer, no soldier or government official will go down to …

What to know about a standoff between police and illegal miners at a South Africa mine
4 months, 1 week ago

What to know about a standoff between police and illegal miners at a South Africa mine

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South African authorities are embroiled in a standoff with an unconfirmed number of illegal miners who remain underground at an abandoned mine, apparently fearing arrest by police officers deployed at the site. Police and military join forces in operation “Close the Hole” Since last December, police, government agencies and the military have joined forces in an operation dubbed …

South Africa's Ramaphosa calls for safe recovery of illegal miners stuck underground
4 months, 1 week ago

South Africa's Ramaphosa calls for safe recovery of illegal miners stuck underground

Hindustan Times  

JOHANNESBURG, - South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday lives should not be put at risk in a standoff between police and hundreds of illegal miners stuck underground in a disused mine shaft and the miners should be recovered safely. South Africa's Ramaphosa calls for safe recovery of illegal miners stuck underground The police have blocked miners' supplies of …

South African miners trapped underground: What you need to know
4 months, 1 week ago

South African miners trapped underground: What you need to know

Al Jazeera  

Police officials surrounded the mine and cut off suppliers to the illegal miners, hoping to force them out. Hundreds – possibly thousands – of miners remain trapped in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa’s northwestern Stilfontein town, fearful to come out of hiding and face arrest by security officials in a tense standoff that has continued for weeks. Earlier …

Two saved from abandoned South Africa gold mine after court orders rescue
4 months, 1 week ago

Two saved from abandoned South Africa gold mine after court orders rescue

Al Jazeera  

Rescue operations involving volunteers under way in Stilfontein amid reports that hundreds are still trapped underground. Two men have been pulled out from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa after a court ordered the police to lift a blockade and allow the rescue of hundreds of workers believed to be involved in “illegal” mining activities. Authorities had earlier blocked …

Illegal gold miners stranded underground by South Africa government
4 months, 1 week ago

Illegal gold miners stranded underground by South Africa government

ABC  

The South African government says it will not help a group of illegal miners inside a closed mine in the country's north-west province who have been denied access to basic supplies as part of an official strategy against illegal mining. Miners stay underground for months South African ministers of police and defence were expected to visit the mine to engage …

South African police in standoff with hundreds of illegal miners in disused shaft
4 months, 1 week ago

South African police in standoff with hundreds of illegal miners in disused shaft

Hindustan Times  

JOHANNESBURG, - South African police were in a standoff on Thursday with hundreds of illegal miners believed to be underground in a disused shaft, a day after a cabinet minister said the government was trying to "smoke them out". South African police in standoff with hundreds of illegal miners in disused shaft Police have been trying for weeks to empty …

6 miners killed, 15 trapped underground in collapse of a gold mine in Zimbabwe, state media reports
1 year, 5 months ago

6 miners killed, 15 trapped underground in collapse of a gold mine in Zimbabwe, state media reports

Associated Press  

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Six people have died in the collapse of a gold mine in Zimbabwe, and 15 others are still trapped underground, according to state media reports. State-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation quoted deputy mines minister Polite Kambamura as saying 34 miners had been caught in Friday’s collapse. The broadcaster on Saturday said rescue operations were underway at Beyhose mine …

‘Movement’ at South African mine raises possibility of survivors
1 year, 9 months ago

‘Movement’ at South African mine raises possibility of survivors

Al Jazeera  

Authorities say a search is yet to be launched because of dangerously high levels of methane after May explosion. “Movement” has been detected underground at a shuttered gold mine in South Africa’s Free State where at least 31 miners working illegally died in a suspected gas explosion in May, raising a slim possibility that there may be survivors, officials tell …

South Africa says 31 illegal miners believed killed in explosion in May, only now coming to light
1 year, 9 months ago

South Africa says 31 illegal miners believed killed in explosion in May, only now coming to light

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Police: 21 bodies found at mine in South Africa
2 years, 4 months ago

Police: 21 bodies found at mine in South Africa

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South African police are investigating the discovery of at least 21 bodies suspected of being illegal miners that were found near an active mine in the town of Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg. The Sowetan newspaper reported that the bodies were those of illegal miners who died when a tunnel at a different mine collapsed, although police declined to …

Eleven Trapped Gold Miners Rescued in China After 14 Days Underground, 10 Still Missing
4 years, 2 months ago

Eleven Trapped Gold Miners Rescued in China After 14 Days Underground, 10 Still Missing

News 18  

Chinese rescuers pulled 11 gold miners to safety on Sunday with most of them in good condition after 14 days trapped underground after an explosion, but 10 colleagues were still unaccounted for, state media reported. Over the next few hours, 10 miners from a different section of the mine, who had been getting food and medical supplies down a shaft …

South Africa: Nine illegal miners stoned to death in ‘barbaric attack’
5 years, 1 month ago

South Africa: Nine illegal miners stoned to death in ‘barbaric attack’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Nine Lesotho nationals, who were reportedly involved in illegal …

Zimbabwe miners: 24 bodies recovered from flooded gold mine
6 years, 1 month ago

Zimbabwe miners: 24 bodies recovered from flooded gold mine

CNN  

CNN — The bodies of 24 gold miners have been recovered from a flooded mine in Zimbabwe, and rescuers have pulled out eight survivors who had been trapped underground, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported. Zimbabwe’s deputy mines minister, Polite Kambamura, on Monday said search operations would continue in the area, saying that around 70 workers are feared trapped in the …

Nearly 1,000 miners trapped underground in South Africa after power outage
7 years, 1 month ago

Nearly 1,000 miners trapped underground in South Africa after power outage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Around 900 miners are trapped …

17 declared dead in Ghana goldmine collapse: lawmaker
7 years, 8 months ago

17 declared dead in Ghana goldmine collapse: lawmaker

Deccan Chronicle  

Accra : Rescuers on Thursday called off a search for miners who were trapped underground after an illegal goldmine collapsed in western Ghana, declaring 17 dead, a local lawmaker said. Nsuta representative Williams Adomako said teams that were trying to rescue the miners after the pit caved in on Sunday managed to locate the body of one miner and bring …

Unrest spreads to South Africa gold mine
12 years, 6 months ago

Unrest spreads to South Africa gold mine

Al Jazeera  

At least four people wounded after police and security guards fire at sacked miners blocking colleagues from working. South Africa’s mining violence has spread to Johannesburg, with police and security guards firing rubber bullets and tear gas at sacked gold miners who have been blocking colleagues from working, officials and police said. According to police, four people were wounded when …

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