South African Police Tighten Siege on Illegal Miners in Stilfontein Standoff

Authorities enforce blockade at abandoned mine, where hundreds remain underground fearing arrest, despite court order to ease restrictions.

The standoff at Stilfontein involves an estimated 350-400 illegal miners, although initial reports suggested thousands were underground.
Police and military forces have blockaded the mine, cutting off supplies to pressure miners to surface and face arrest.
A court order issued Tuesday mandated authorities to allow emergency access and resume supply deliveries, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
The South African government has defended its actions, stating the miners are part of organized crime syndicates and are trespassing on a crime scene.
Human rights groups and legal advocates have criticized the blockade as inhumane, citing reports of deteriorating conditions and fatalities underground.