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🚨 Tragic Loss: 78 Miners Die in South African Police Crackdown on Illegal Mining 🚨

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TL;DR: In Stilfontein, South Africa, a police operation aimed at curbing illegal mining led to the deaths of at least 78 miners due to starvation and dehydration. Authorities had cut off food and water supplies to force the miners out, resulting in severe criticism from communities and human rights groups. Additionally, a manhunt is underway for an alleged illegal mining kingpin who escaped custody during the rescue operation.

Hey folks! 😢 Let's talk about a heartbreaking incident that happened in Stilfontein, South Africa. In an effort to tackle illegal mining, the police launched a major operation at an abandoned gold mine. But things took a tragic turn when at least 78 miners lost their lives due to starvation and dehydration. The authorities had cut off food and water supplies to force the miners out, a move that's sparked outrage among communities and human rights groups.

The miners, often called "zama zamas," are mostly undocumented workers from neighboring countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. They venture into these abandoned mines, hoping to find gold and make a living. But this dangerous work is often controlled by criminal syndicates, making their lives even more perilous.

During the operation, the police decided to "smoke them out" by cutting off essential supplies. This tactic led to a standoff that lasted for months, leaving the miners trapped underground without food or water. Community groups and activists were horrified, accusing the authorities of inhumane treatment. They even had to step in to rescue the miners themselves when the police refused to help.

Eventually, a court ordered the police to provide food and water and to carry out a rescue operation. By the end of the mission, 78 bodies were recovered, and 246 survivors were brought to the surface. But the tragedy didn't end there. An alleged illegal mining kingpin, known as "Tiger," managed to escape custody during the chaos, reportedly with the help of some police officers. This has led to a massive manhunt and further embarrassment for the authorities.

Illegal mining is a huge issue in South Africa, costing the country over $3 billion last year. While it's crucial to address this problem, the methods used in this operation have been widely condemned. Many are calling for an independent inquiry to investigate the police's actions and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

This incident is a stark reminder of the desperate situations many people find themselves in, risking their lives for a chance to earn a living. It's essential that any actions taken to address illegal activities are done with humanity and respect for life. Let's hope for justice and better solutions moving forward. ✊🏽

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