Key Takeaways:

• Over 100 illegal miners are reported dead, with many still trapped in a South African gold mine.
• Authorities are conducting rescue operations amid criticism of their tactics in handling the situation.
• Video evidence shows emaciated miners pleading for help as their conditions deteriorate underground.

Rescue efforts are progressing at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in South Africa, where at least 109 illegal miners are feared dead after being trapped for months, suffering from starvation and dehydration, according to the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA). The rescue operations commenced as reports surfaced indicating that over 500 miners are still below ground, many gravely ill. Activist and spokesperson for MACUA, Sabelo Mnguni, indicated that over 100 bodies remain entombed in various depths of the mine, with SCMP confirming that 18 bodies were retrieved just a few days ago.

The dire circumstances led to intense scrutiny of South African authorities, particularly regarding their decision to cut off food and water supplies to force the miners to surface. Police claimed the miners could exit the mine at will but were uncooperative due to fears of arrest, a claim disputed by rights groups citing inadequate conditions for escape. Forcing miners out has apparently resulted in AP News ordering the blockade of supplies, with police justifying their actions as part of a crackdown on illegal mining operations.

Eyewitness accounts and distressing video footage released by MACUA showcase the grim reality of the miners' plight with images of deceased bodies wrapped in plastic, pleading voices calling for food and assistance to escape their dire circumstances [as reported by LA Times].

The situation escalated since November when authorities, amidst community tensions, declared their intent to “smoke out” the miners they deemed as criminals. South Africa’s Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated there would be no assistance for what they categorized as illegal operations, urging a clampdown on illegal miners known locally as "zama zamaz". Criticism erupted as many saw the blockade as punitive, exacerbating the miners’ conditions since they rely on supplies delivered from the surface in the deep, dangerous mine - which reaches depths of 2.5 km (1.5 miles) [reported by NY Times].

As rescue operations continue, community-led efforts have recovered bodies and survivors, signalling that time is of the essence to save those still trapped below. Discussions are ongoing regarding the safe extraction of miners while addressing the growing humanitarian crisis as the world watches closely to see how the South African government will respond moving forward.