The death toll from a South Africa gas leak blamed on illegal gold processing rises to 17
PBS NewsHourJun 30, 2023
The Facts
At least 17 people, including three children, have died after inhaling toxic gas caused by a leak at an informal settlement in South Africa’s Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. Investigations are still ongoing, though the leak has been linked to illegal gold mining.
Authorities say the leak happened late Wednesday night at Boksburg’s Angelo settlement. In addition to the children who died — ages one, six, and fifteen — ten people were hospitalized, including a two-month-old infant, two four-year-olds, and a nine-year-old.
The Spin
Narrative A
South African officials know what a scourge illegal mining is on the nation, and Ramaphosa is determined to get to the bottom of the gas leak that killed 17 at the Boksburg settlement as well as put a stop to dangerous, illegal mining. South Africa is doing all it can to rescue people and help victims in their families — the nation is deeply committed to ending this unlawful practice.
Narrative B
While South African officials may talk a big game about ending illegal mining, their statements typically only constitute dangerous attacks on migrant workers coming to South Africa. In addition to inciting violence against migrants working in the nation, South African officials profiteer from illegal mining by collecting gold left at crime scenes. South African politicians are complicit in the scheme to exploit gold mines and are using illegal miners as their pawns.