Human rights group Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) has submitted shocking claims to South Africa’s Constitutional Court, detailing the harrowing plight of illegal miners trapped at Buffelsfontein mine, located in Stilfontein, North West. The submission alleges unspeakable acts of desperation, including claims of cannibalism among miners who are reported to have resorted to eating the flesh of deceased colleagues.
The allegations come after the Pretoria High Court dismissed Macua’s earlier attempt to compel the government to rescue and provide relief for the miners. The group claims hundreds of miners remain trapped underground, confronting starvation and death amid progressively dire reports detailing their deteriorated conditions.
“The latest reports from those trapped underground indicate the situation has deteriorated...those who have torturously tried to climb to [the] surface and eventually fell to their death or who have succumbed to starvation. Reports indicate more bodies remain underground,” stated Macua’s court submission.
Contrarily, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the joint operations team, NatJoints, have dismissed these claims, asserting they have facilitated safe exit points for miners to surface without police intervention. “The notion miners remain trapped solely due to police action is misleading. SAPS has implemented measures to secure the area and prevent illegal activities, but designated exit points have been established,” explained the joint operations team.
These developments come after police and soldiers intensified actions against illegal miners by blocking supplies of food, water, and other necessary provisions starting last November. Critics argue this strategy has exacerbated the situation for those still underground.
Macua, with support from Lawyers for Human Rights, insists the state’s actions constitute a breach of its legal mandate, effectively “sentencing” the trapped miners to death due to misinterpretations of the law by the authorities.
“This deliberate misinterpretation by SAPS speaks to a state of lawlessness (or deliberate undermining of the law by those who should uphold the law) where trapped miners have been found guilty and sentenced to death without any recourse to constitutional principles,” the organization stated through its spokespeople.
Macua's spokesman, Magnificent Mndebele, expressed deep frustration with the judicial system, stating they believe the Pretoria High Court, led by Judge Mazibuko, committed what they term “an egregious miscarriage of justice” by dismissing their urgent application on December 20, 2024. The groups have sought direct access to the Constitutional Court.
They filed this application on December 29, requesting the court to mandate state entities and Buffelsfontein Gold Mine to deliver humanitarian aid—including food, water, and medical supplies—to the zama-zamas trapped within two hours of the court's judgment, pending rescue operations.
“We're also asking the respondents to immediately commence rescue operations at Shafts 10 and 11, and provide Macua and community members with weekly reports on the rescue plan's implementation,” Mndebele stated, highlighting the urgency of their cause.
Meanwhile, Mndebele criticized the media for allegedly being biased, calling for intervention from the South African National Editors’ Forum. He urged the forum to investigate perceived collusion between the state and certain media outlets concerning the miners’ plight.
The Buffelsfontein mine, which stretches two kilometers underground, has reportedly transformed to become a focal point for illegal mining operations. The miners—the so-called zama-zamas—have materially suffered as police operations continue to crack down on such activities.
While some miners have managed to escape, others remain trapped, receiving scant supplies from clandestine surface connections as police block various tunnels. The situation remains perilous, with many at risk of starvation.
Macua’s dedicated efforts to protect the lives of trapped miners indicate their determination to hold responsible parties accountable for human rights violations. Mndebele emphasized, “Macua remains determined to uphold the right to life of the trapped miners and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.”
Beneath the surface struggles not only highlight a dire humanitarian crisis but also raise questions about accountability, governance, and the state’s role amid such tragedies. A cohesive humanitarian response remains urgently warranted as many lives hang precariously in the balance.