Johannesburg – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) has widened its investigation of the police Operation Vala Umgodi at Stilfontein into a national inquiry.
At least 216 illegal miners were rescued and 78 bodies were retrieved during last month’s rescue mission at an abandoned mine shaft in Stifontein.
Even though many of the dead were thought to be foreign nationals – who are yet to be identified – the outcry over the high number of deaths has been massive.
Unions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and rights bodies have demanded answers as to the cause of the deaths of the illegal miners better known as “Zama Zamas”.
As a result, the SAHRC launched a probe into the goings-on at Stilfontein.
This investigation was instituted after a complaint was lodged at the SAHRC’s North West Provincial Office (NWPO).
The complainant alleged that for a prolonged period, about three months, miners have been unable to exit the mine shafts and have had no access to water, food, or adequate medical assistance.
According to the complaint, more than 4 500 miners remained trapped underground, with their survival threatened by deteriorating conditions, lack of essential supplies, and limited access to alternative means of escape.
“The decision to institute a National Inquiry into 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 was necessitated by the magnitude of what transpired in Stilfontein, submissions received from members of the community, miners, and NGOs,” the SAHRC said.
The SAHRC said its inquiry was instituted in accordance with the Commission’s mandate, as outlined in Section 184(2) of the Constitution, which authorises it to investigate and report on human rights violations and take necessary steps to address any infringements.
“This endeavour aligns with the Commission’s overarching goal of promoting respect for human rights, fostering a culture of human rights, and monitoring their observance across the Republic, as stipulated in Section 184(1) of the Constitution.,” the SAHRC said.
In January 2025, as part of its ongoing investigation, Commissioners and the Secretariat, in collaboration with the SAHRC’s NWPO, conducted monitoring visits to Stilfontein.
During these visits, they received a briefing from the South African Police Service (SAPS), which reported that a total of 324 individuals had been retrieved from the disused mine.
This figure comprised 246 survivors and 78 deceased individuals.
The Commission also conducted an on-site inspection at Shaft 11 in Stilfontein to assess the situation and receive updates from members of Operation Vala Umgodi.
Moreover, the Commission engaged with Tshepong Hospital Staff and the artisanal miners to monitor their treatment at the hospital, detention facilities, and overall conditions.
During these engagements and monitoring exercises, the Commission identified several concerns, which are being addressed with the relevant stakeholders.
The Commission also engaged with community members to understand the impact of artisanal mining/illegal mining on the human rights of the community of Stilfontein.
The visit was preceded by a number of interventions by Commissioners and the NWPO in Stilfontein where it engaged and gathered information on the crisis from community members, miners, family members, the SAPS and NGOS in Stilfontein.
The National Inquiry into 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 will be held in the North West Province in May 2025.
