South Africa's illegal mines: BBC uncovers child sex abuse:
An investigation into the illicit mining sector reveals a world of child exploitation.
bbc.com/news/articles/c74z0px07nzo
Photo: bbc.com · view article
Child Exploitation in South Africa’s Illegal Mines31 underage miners were rescued from abandoned shafts in 2024, revealing widespread abuse and trafficking in illicit mining.
- Children are trafficked into South Africa’s disused mines, where they face sexual abuse and forced labor by criminal gangs.
- Miners recount how underage victims are coerced into sex in exchange for gold or as punishment for incomplete tasks.
- Rescue operations at Stilfontein uncovered 31 Mozambican minors among the illegal miners, many suffering trauma from abuse.
- The illegal mining industry persists with thousands of vacant mines, continuing to expose vulnerable youths to exploitation.
The adults would start by grooming them, by acting like they like them.— Gugu Xaba, CEO of Save the Children South Africa, describes how children are manipulated and sexually exploited in illegal mines.
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Key FactsRescue Efforts in Stilfontein: Survivors and Bodies Found
Jan 15, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: npr.org
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: npr.org
- In Stilfontein, South Africa, dozens of bodies and survivors have been rescued from an abandoned gold mine after authorities cut off supplies to illegal miners.
- At least 60 bodies and 92 survivors were pulled from the mine, with hundreds more still believed to be trapped underground.
- The government faces criticism for its controversial tactics aimed at forcing miners to exit without assistance.
- The rescue operation is expected to last ten days, and survivors will be arrested for illegal mining after receiving medical care.
Police say the resurfacing of illegal miners in Stilfontein shows they are not trapped, but evading arrest
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-12-29-police-say-the-resurfacing-of-illegal-miners-in-stilfontein-shows-they-are-not-trapped-but-evading-arrest/
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