South Africa's Controversial Siege Tactics on Trapped Illegal Miners
South African authorities are under scrutiny for cutting off food and water to illegal miners hiding underground in Stilfontein as part of a crackdown on illegal mining. The South African Human Rights Commission is investigating the tactic, which has been in place for nearly three months. Critics argue the approach is inhumane, while authorities maintain it is necessary to bring miners to the surface. The operation, part of a broader effort to combat illegal mining linked to organized crime, has led to arrests and deportations, but also raised concerns about potential humanitarian crises.