In Stilfontein, South Africa, a failed police operation left many illegal miners trapped underground without food or water, leading to 78 confirmed deaths. Volunteers undertook the dangerous rescue, revealing harrowing conditions, including claims of cannibalism among miners. Criticism of the government's handling of the situation intensifies, with activists calling it a 'massacre.' The tragedy underscores broader issues of unemployment and desperation driving people to illegal mining amidst a declining industry.