The prospectors were trapped underground for months as police, on orders from South Africa’s government, attempted to starve them out.

South Africa gold mine - with hundreds still trapped - Death toll is expected to rise as rescuers pull out both surviors and bodies

Police blocked supplies of food and water to mine Trade unions: state allowed miners 'to starve to death' Government calls illegal mining 'war on economy' At least 78 dead bodies have been pulled from