Six illegal miners who emerged from Stilfontein Mine early Friday morning after spending nearly six months underground revealed they survived on cockroaches.
The men are all Mozambican nationals and allegedly lived off cockroaches during their desperate escape to the surface.
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Illegal Miners Survive on Cockroaches Before Resurfacing At Stilfontein Mine
One of the miners shared his ordeal to Daily Sun, describing how hunger drove them to extreme measures.
“We hadn’t eaten and were feasting on cockroaches on our way out. When we found cockroaches, we used gun lighters to cook them, added salt, and ate,” he said.
The group resurfaced after enduring months of harsh conditions in the abandoned gold mine, where food was scarce and exploitation by syndicate bosses was rampant. According to the miner, they received minimal food deliveries, often hoarded by their Basotho bosses.
“One packet of instant porridge was shared among six people, allocating each a half cup every 24 hours,” he explained.
Their decision to resurface was triggered by starvation and a growing fear of being abandoned underground. The miner recounted the arduous three-day journey to escape, made even more gruelling by the lack of food.
“The bosses believe the police operation will end, and they will just continue working underground. Now everyone wants to come up, but the bosses have their own plans,” he added.
The Scourge
Illegal mining is a persistent issue in South Africa, particularly in disused shafts like those in Stilfontein. Syndicates exploit vulnerable workers, often migrants from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Lesotho. The miners risk life-threatening conditions in search of gold, frequently working without safety measures or proper pay.
The six miners were immediately taken into police custody and are currently being processed. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed their identities and indicated that investigations into the syndicate behind the operation are ongoing.
Authorities have intensified efforts to curb illegal mining in the region, which continues to pose significant risks to both workers and communities.