Rescue and Recovery
South African police concluded a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine in , recovering 246 survivors and 78 bodies, amidst warnings of a potentially higher death toll due to starvation or dehydration.
The operation, initially expected to last longer, was expedited following a court order and community efforts, despite claims that the miners could exit through other shafts.
Aftermath and Accountability
Authorities face criticism for their handling of the situation, including cutting off supplies and removing exit aids, which civic groups argue contributed to the deaths.
A suspected illegal mining ringleader escaped custody with police assistance, highlighting potential corruption and inefficiencies within the rescue and recovery operations.