Kathmandu— At least fourteen suspected illegal miners were killed and eight others injured when the walls of an excavation collapsed at a dumping site in South Africa’s North West province on Monday night. The victims, locally known as ‘zama zamas,’ were digging for platinum-group metals near Rustenburg when the earth gave way. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, fearing more miners may be trapped underground while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the legal status of mining operations at the site.

Collapse and Initial Response

The collapse occurred at a dumping site in Nkaneng, near Rustenburg, where the suspected illegal miners were extracting platinum-group metals. Police confirmed that a company had been granted a permit to extract metals at the location. North West provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams stated authorities are continuing to assess the situation and expressed concern about the possibility of additional miners still trapped underground.

Victims’ Nationalities and Arrests

Most of those killed are believed to be Basotho nationals from neighboring Lesotho, according to Commissioner Adams. Of the eight injured, three were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining after being discharged from hospital, while five remain under police guard as they receive treatment.

Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Mining

South Africa launched Operation Vala Umgodi (Close the Hole) in December 2023 to target illegal mining networks. The operation involves the deployment of over 2,200 South African National Defense Force personnel across five provinces, including North West, and has resulted in more than 27,000 arrests as of June 2025. Mikateko Mahlaule, chairman of the parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, called the deaths a “painful reminder” of the hazards surrounding illegal mining and urged stronger action against the industry.

History of Mining Disasters

This incident follows other mass-casualty events linked to illicit mining in South Africa. In 2023, at least 31 suspected illegal miners died in a methane explosion in Free State province. Furthermore, between late 2024 and early 2025, at least 87 miners perished during a standoff at an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein. Police restricted supplies to force the miners to surface, which drew criticism before a court-ordered operation recovered 78 bodies and rescued 246 survivors.

Authorities continue to assess the site in Nkaneng, hoping to locate any remaining individuals who may be trapped. The incident underscores the dangers faced by illegal miners and has renewed calls for stricter enforcement against illicit mining operations.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.