Focus on Africa Child sex abuse uncovered in South Africa's illegal mines
May 19, 2025
Mayeni Jones, the BBC's Africa correspondent, joins fellow journalists Omar Wali and Piers Edwards to discuss harrowing findings of child trafficking and abuse within South Africa's illegal mines. They reveal the dire conditions under which vulnerable children work and their suffering due to exploitation. The conversation also touches on financial scandals in The Gambia and growing public discontent regarding corruption. Additionally, they highlight a landmark legal ruling in Nigeria that addresses negligence in sports, aiming to improve player safety and accountability.
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Child Trafficking in Illegal Mines
- Children as young as 14-15 are trafficked into South Africa's illegal mines and sexually abused.
- Many are illegal migrants from Mozambique, deeply traumatized and vulnerable without protection.
Exploitation Linked to Protection
- Children in illegal mines affiliate with groups for protection but face exploitation demands.
- Groups demand sexual acts in exchange for protection, increasing abuse risks for vulnerable miners.
Controversial Police Tactics in Stilfontaine
- Police crackdown on illegal miners involved limiting food and closing mine exits, creating controversy.
- Rights groups criticized the tactics, advocating safe removal and prosecution instead of siege methods.