I'm urinating blood for 3 weeks and I haven't pooped for 4 months: Underground Zama Zamas pull another shocker after demanding mayonnaise and tomato sauce

In a chilling revelation from the depths of Stilfontein, North West, illegal miners, known as zama zamas, are raising alarms about their dire health and living conditions underground.

One miner, recently pulled from the mine, described a harrowing situation: “I’m urinating blood for three weeks and haven’t pooped for four months.” His account highlights the urgent need for assistance as many others share similar plights.

The miner, who has been unwell since November, lamented the lack of basic necessities while working in perilous conditions.

“It’s been four months without going to the toilet. I started to urinate blood three weeks ago,” he said.

He outlined the grim reality that over 300 miners are critically ill, suffering from malnutrition and illness. “We’ve been dying of hunger since Operation Vala Umgodi started. We haven’t been eating since September,” he continued, revealing the depths of their suffering.

The zama zama explained that while there is medication available for those suffering underground, they cannot take it without food. “I’m on HIV treatment and can’t take medication without eating. My body is always painful, but I can’t take any medication with a hungry stomach,” he added.

This situation has left many miners caught in a desperate cycle of illness and starvation.

As the miners struggle with their health, their demands have shifted from essentials to seemingly trivial items. On 9 December, a letter emerged from underground requesting non-essential goods, including mayonnaise and tomato sauce.

The letter stated: “We are asking for bathing soap and Omo washing powder to wash our clothes. We are also asking for roll-on so that we can bathe. We have run out of meat. Please, give us tin fish and beef.”

The plea continued with requests for rice and torches, highlighting the miners’ deteriorating conditions.

Despite these demands, community members have expressed mixed feelings about assisting the zama zamas. Levy Pelusa, a local resident, commented on the situation, saying, “Those who don’t want to resurface, it’s their own baby. If they want to remain underground, they’ll remain there.”

He emphasised that community members have their own responsibilities, noting, “We were extending our helping hand to them. But those who want to stay there, let them be. Those who want to resurface and want our assistance, we’ll gladly help.”

The zama zama, who are trapped underground, face additional dangers due to their health conditions.

“Someone sicker than me won’t be able to use the ropes to resurface as it is risky. It’s about 1.5km down. You can’t do it while sick and hungry,” he explained.

“If about 50 people resurface in a day, everyone will be out in a month. If this week ends and people haven’t resurfaced, more than 100 bodies will be retrieved. People are dying of hunger down there.”