A significant standoff continues in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, where around 4,000 illegal miners are trapped underground. The situation has escalated as families of the miners gather near the mine shaft, fearing for their loved ones. Authorities have refused to provide assistance, declaring the rescue operations unsafe and declaring their intent to cut off supplies to force the miners out. The South African government has stated it will not intervene to help the illegal miners, while local residents have taken it upon themselves to attempt rescues despite police opposition. Experts are being sought to address the crisis as the situation grows increasingly dire.