South Africa's Stilfontein mine: The blockaded shaft where dozens died

Mzwandile Mkwayi, a former convict, volunteered to go down to help with the rescue effort.

He says he was shocked by what he saw: "There were lots of bodies, over 70 bodies, and around 200 or so people that were dehydrated" The miners had been stuck there following a nationwide police operation to end illicit mining at disused sites.

Activists say the death of 87 people in the mine amounts to a "massacre" perpetrated by the authorities.

The government initiated the crackdown on illicit mining in December 2023 through Operation Vala Umgodi (meaning "close the hole" in isiZulu) The abandoned mines had been taken over by gangs, often led by former employees, which sold what was found on the black market.

Illegal miners have been accused of fostering criminality in communities where they operate.

Police have defended their actions, saying providing them with food would have "allowed criminality to thrive" But for Mkwayi, who put his own safety on the line to help the miners, the men in the Stilfontein mine were just trying to make a living.