Rockfall kills 14 illegal miners in South Africa

On August 11, 2026, a rockfall at a disused mine near South Africa — Rustenburg in South Africa's South Africa — North West (South African province) province killed at least 14 illegal miners, most reportedly from Lesotho, and injured eight others, with an unknown number possibly trapped underground. The incident occurred at South Africa — Royal Bafokeng Nation, an area with several established platinum mines. Police, including the South Africa — South African Police Service, are on the scene and investigating. Illegal mining, often conducted by 'zama zamas' in abandoned shafts, is a persistent problem in South Africa, linked to organized crime and costing the government and industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The event highlights the dangers faced by undocumented miners and follows previous tragedies, including the South Africa — Stilfontein incident where dozens died.