South African court orders mine with illegal miners to be unblocked for rescuers
The Pretoria High Court has ordered the exits of a Stilfontein mine housing illegal miners to be unblocked so emergency services can access them.
The decision follows an appeal to the court by the Society for the Defence of Our Constitution, which objected to the government’s action.
A major operation to free the miners began in October. In response to the illegal miners’ refusal to leave the mine, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent an additional 1,000 troops to support the police.
More than 1,100 people have already been arrested during the operation, most of whom are illegal migrants.
The authorities say they will do everything possible to ensure that the miners leave the mine and are held accountable for their actions.
