SAHRC intensified its probe into abandoned Buffelsfontein mine

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has decided to intensify its probe into the abandoned Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein in the North West province.

The commission has escalated its current investigation on Stilfontein’s Operation Vala Umgodi into a national inquiry.

This follows the resurfacing of the nearly 2 000 illegal miners, since August last year.

Now authorities have confirmed that at least 78- zama zamas have died, raising a serious concern about illegal mining as well as safety in the area.

“The decision to institute a national inquiry into the Stilfontein, humanitarian crisis- is broad, it speaks to the policy framework around artisanal mining. The impact of artisanal mining on the human rights of surrounding communities, and the scope and tactics employed- in operation vala umgodi. This was a decision the Human Rights Commission arrived at- based on the magnitude of what transpired in Stilfontein, as well as continuous submissions we have received from members of the community, miners, as well as NGOs and NPOs in this sector,” explains Advocate Sandra Makoasha, a commissioner at the SAHRC.

Video: Stilfontein Miners – SAHRC probes Stilfontein incident