South African authorities prepare a rescue operation for illegal miners trapped in a standoff, as tensions rise over their safety and illegal mining activities.
The South African police are organizing a rescue mission to extract illegal miners who have been trapped underground in an abandoned mine for more than a month.
According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, experts convened on Tuesday to finalize the plan, beginning with a camera assessment given the associated risks.
According to authorities, the miners are currently not trapped but have chosen not to come out due to fears of being arrested. The Society for the Protection of Our Constitution has filed a High Court case on their behalf, aiming to secure their safe emergence without detention. State broadcaster SABC reports that the hearing has been postponed.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced illegal mining due to its detrimental impact on the economy and community safety.
On Monday, Ramaphosa stated that these miners are at risk of arrest under Operation Vala Umgodi, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining.
Police caution that certain miners might be heavily armed and connected to criminal syndicates, intensifying the urgency of rescue efforts.
