South African rescuers have retrieved 36 bodies and saved 82 survivors during a two-day operation in an illegal gold mine, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. Police stated that all survivors face charges for illegal mining and immigration violations.
The mine, located about 150 km (93 miles) from Johannesburg in Stilfontein, has been under siege by law enforcement since August. Police had cut off food and water supplies in an effort to force miners to the surface as part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining activities.
At the site, Reuters reporters witnessed rescuers transporting a miner on a stretcher, while others—some visibly frail—sat on the ground surrounded by police and medical personnel.
Video footage released by a miners’ advocacy group on Monday showed harrowing scenes from inside the mine, with skeletal survivors and dozens of lifeless bodies strewn underground.