Families of ten informal miners trapped underground in an abandoned gold mine in Krugersdorp since November 2024 are pleading for help, as authorities continue to deem the site too dangerous for rescue operations. The miners became trapped after an underground stream flooded the shaft and a tunnel collapsed, cutting them off from escape. Four others died during an earlier escape attempt, while three survived and managed to exit the mine.
Survivor Nkosinathi Maisa, who escaped after days underground, suspects water may have been deliberately pumped into the shaft. Families, including that of 24-year-old Calton Vundla, have since reached out to police, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), civic groups, and the Zimbabwean consulate for help.
Despite these efforts, DMRE and police have said the mine is too unstable for rescue teams or divers. Attempts by fellow informal miners to recover the trapped individuals in December led to the discovery of four bodies, but the remaining ten have not been located.
Lawyers for Human Rights, which advocated for a legal response, say attempts to engage the mine’s owners, Amatshe Mining, were met with silence. The mine’s CEO claimed he had not been contacted by families or authorities. As the situation remains unresolved, families continue to demand recovery efforts, alive or dead, saying they deserve closure.