Cape Town — The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) noted the reports regarding the illegal miners at Stilfontein in North West and believes they are innocent until proven guilty.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu visited the site on Friday to assess the situation at the mine. The SAHRC reported that SAPS had allegedly restricted essential supplies to the mine for nearly three months, which was intended to pressure miners to resurface, a statement said.
It was alleged that the actions could have resulted in the loss of lives, infringing on the right to life. The Commission also received a formal complaint from a community leader in Stilfontein reporting the same issues.
“The complainant claims the the state has failed, refused or neglected to undertake any measures to rescue the miners still underground, thereby failing to take any reasonable actions to prevent further potential loss of life,” SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi, said.
Media Statement: SAHRC’s investigation around operation “Vala Umgodi” at a disused mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West Province https://t.co/C2yqJXXwHj pic.twitter.com/NTi0m4ZGxt
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) November 15, 2024
The Commission said it has made an investigation into the matter and wrote to SAPS to get clarity on its current operations, and what plans are in place to de-escalate the situation and safeguard the lives of the miners. The SAHRC had also visited the site and engaged with SAPS and community leaders, in an effort to understand the situation and the challenges of a rescue.
The SAHRC believes that responsible leadership is necessary at this time and that human rights must be adhered to above all else.
“While the Commission condemns criminality and supports lawful operations addressing such conduct, it emphasises that any approach must adhere to human rights principles and constitutional imperatives, including the preservation of life, human dignity, the avoidance of inhumane treatment, and the principle of being innocent until proven guilty,” Baloyi added.
The Commission intends to engage with SAPS, SANDF, and the Department of Mineral and Resources and Energy (DMRE) to understand their roles and responsibilities to the miners.
“Recognising the public’s interest in this matter, the Commission will provide further updates on its investigation and intervention in due course. Regrettably, media interviews will not be granted at this stage to safeguard the integrity of the Commission’s investigative process,” Baloyi concluded.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
