South African government says it won't help 4,000 illegal miners inside a closed mine

Officials say the miners are trespassing and must leave on their own

The South African government says it will not help 4,000 illegal miners who have been trapped underground for two weeks in a closed mine.

The miners are trespassing on private property and must leave on their own, government officials said.

The miners have been trapped since a power outage on May 16 flooded the mine.

The government has provided food and water to the miners, but it says it will not send rescue workers to help them get out.

The miners are asking for help from the government and from private companies.

The government says it is not responsible for the miners because they are trespassing.

The miners say they are desperate for help and fear for their lives.

The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous as the miners run out of food and water.

The miners are becoming increasingly desperate as their food and water supplies dwindle.

They are sending messages to the surface, begging for help.

The government says it is monitoring the situation but will not send rescue workers until the miners leave the mine on their own.

The government is facing criticism for its handling of the situation.

Critics say the government is not doing enough to help the miners.

The government says it is doing everything it can to help the miners without putting rescue workers at risk.