Benoni, Gauteng — In a heart-wrenching incident that happened within the Zimbabwean community in South Africa, more than 30 illegal miners, all Zimbabwean nationals, tragically lost their lives last week in the Benoni Esigangeni area where they operate their illegal mines.
These miners succumbed to suffocation after starting a fire underground, an act that proved fatal.
The bodies were subsequently buried in unmarked graves with the assistance of local police officers who were allegedly bribed to remain silent about the incident.
Sources working at the mine revealed that the police advised burying the bodies separately to avoid the suspicion that they all perished in the same location.
While some relatives were able to claim and bury their loved ones, many others had their bodies interred by fellow miners who raised funds for the burials.
This devastating event is not an isolated incident. The previous week saw the burial of over 10 illegal miners who died when the mine collapsed.
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A former worker disclosed that most bodies are buried without their relatives’ presence, highlighting the dangerous and clandestine nature of these operations.
The mine, reportedly owned by a Zimbabwean with strong police connections, operates under a shroud of secrecy.
Workers and witnesses are threatened into silence, with the ominous warning that “what happens there, stays there,” or they risk being killed.
Call to Action: Check on Your Loved Ones Who Are Involved in Illegal Mining
In light of these tragic events, we urge all Zimbabweans who have relatives involved in illegal mining in the Benoni Esigangeni area to check on their well-being.
The perilous conditions and illicit activities at these mines pose severe risks to the lives of those working there.
The tragic loss of over 30 lives in Benoni’s illegal mining operations serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by those involved in such activities.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected and urge the Zimbabwean community to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones.
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