Tragic Toll Emerges as Rescuers Recover More Bodies from South African Mine**

Efforts to salvage scores of illegal miners in South Africa reveal a grim reality as the death toll rises to at least 15, with distressing videos showcasing the dire conditions underground.**

Rescue operations at a disused mine in South Africa have taken a tragic turn, with six more bodies recovered by rescuers early Tuesday morning, as authorities continue their efforts to bring up dozens of miners still feared trapped more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) underground. A national NGO umbrella organization, Sanco, conveyed updates to the BBC on the unfolding situation.

The latest recovery adds to eight survivors who were brought up on Tuesday, following the successful rescue of 26 individuals on Monday. Tragically, nine bodies were also extracted that day, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by the illegal miners, commonly referred to as "zama zamas," who have remained underground since police initiatives against illicit mining intensified last year.

Last week's court ruling called for expedited rescue efforts, which have lingered for far too long. Traditionally, authorities imposed a hardline stance, alleging that the miners illegally entered the shafts of the Stilfontein mine, subsequently restricting food and water access. In a stark warning, one government minister highlighted their intention to "smoke them out."

Reports estimate that over 100 illegal miners may have perished underground during the ongoing crackdown, yet official confirmation of this number remains elusive, according to statements provided to the BBC.

In troubling videos recently resurfaced, dire scenes depict the human toll within the disused gold mine. Footage shows bodies wrapped in makeshift bags alongside emaciated miners whose plight cries for urgent assistance. A male voice in the video comments on the desperate conditions, with calls for food and aid echoing throughout.

Notably, a male voice off-camera points to the visible suffering of the miners while asserting that almost a hundred individuals have lost their lives due to the dire circumstances. The trade union General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa) supported this claim, stating that footage taken over the weekend portrayed a harrowing reality faced by miners.

Giwusa's leadership, in a briefing near the rescue site, described the videos as indicative of a "Stilfontein massacre," criticizing policymakers for pursuing a harmful strategy, which they deemed treacherous.

The Department of Mineral Resources is leading the rescue efforts, employing a cage mechanism that operates through the disused mine shaft to pull people to safety every hour, a device designed to accommodate six or seven persons based on individual weight, as noted by Giwusa.

Efforts will continue as the nation watches, with community members and advocates calling for the immediate provision of aid to those still trapped and emphasizing the urgency of the situation.