BBC uncovers child sex abuse in South Africa's illegal mines

Jonathan spent six tough months underground in a South African gold mine. He witnessed abuse against children, which shocked him the most.

Some children are forced into cheap labor, while others are exploited for sex. Campaigners highlight this grim reality.

Now in his late 20s, Jonathan moved to South Africa seeking easy money. He came from a nearby country and hoped to work in abandoned mines. These mines were closed by multinationals due to lack of profitability.

To protect his identity, we will not reveal his name. He fears retaliation from criminal gangs controlling illegal mining.

Details about the miners' suffering surfaced after many died near Stilfontein last year. Police had blockaded the mine during that incident.

Jonathan recalls the heat, long hours, and scarce food options. These conditions took a toll on his health.

He remembers seeing underage miners in the shaft where he worked. "I saw teenagers aged 15 and 17," he said.

Older miners sometimes took advantage of these kids, making Jonathan uncomfortable. They would promise gold in exchange for sex with the minors.

"If that kid is desperate for money, he will take the risk," Jonathan explained.

Children sought protection from teams of miners but faced harsh conditions. If they failed tasks, they were punished with sexual exploitation.

Jonathan noted that all children in his mine were foreign and unaware of their situation.

Mining researcher Makhotla Sefuli supports Jonathan's claims. He says gangs target children for illegal mining across South Africa.

Many kids are abducted from neighboring countries and trafficked here. They are lured with false promises of jobs in formal mining sectors.

"Their passports are taken when they arrive," Mr. Sefuli stated. "It's well-known that these boys face abuse."

The BBC spoke to other miners who confirmed similar abuses at different sites. Tshepo, not his real name, witnessed older men forcing young boys into sex underground.

"Some did it for money; others were recruited just for that purpose," he said.

He added that such abuse deeply affects children's behavior and trust issues.

South Africa's illegal mining industry gained attention last year after a police standoff at Buffelsfontein mine near Stilfontein. Authorities aimed to combat illegal mining costing $3.2 billion last year.

In December 2023, they launched an operation called Vala Umgodi or "seal the hole." This initiative promised a tough stance against criminal gangs.

As part of this operation, police restricted food and water access to miners underground to force them out. Many refused to leave due to fear of arrest.

Footage emerged showing emaciated men begging for rescue alongside rows of body bags. Eventually, a court ordered authorities to save them.

Among those rescued were many claiming to be underage migrants without documents proving their age. Medical tests estimated their ages as part of the rescue process.

The Department of Social Development confirmed 31 rescued miners were children from Mozambique; 27 were repatriated in November 2023.

Save the Children South Africa helped translate interviews between rescuers and underage miners. CEO Gugu Xaba noted these children experienced trauma witnessing sexual exploitation among peers.

"They feared they might never escape," she said about their mental state during captivity.

Adult miners groomed these children before exploiting them sexually repeatedly over days.

Ms Xaba explained that gangs recruit children because they are easier to manipulate and cheaper than adults.

"Children don’t understand when offered low pay,” she added.

Illegal miners often spend months underground with limited access to surface life.

Underground markets provide everything needed by these workers.

"Most trafficked children become sex slaves,” Ms Xaba stated about their plight.

The BBC asked police and DSD if anyone would face charges over sexual abuse allegations but received no response.

A source involved with Stilfontein cases mentioned many child victims hesitated to testify.

Meanwhile, illegal mining continues thriving amid an estimated 6,000 vacant mines available for exploration.

This ongoing situation leaves thousands of vulnerable children at risk every day.