The Stilfontein Crisis Committee is considering pressing charges against the government after the bodies of more than 70 miners were recovered this week from a disused mine shaft in the North West province. These miners had been trapped underground for over two months, following a tense stand-off with mining and law enforcement authorities over illegal mining operations.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Christopher Rutledge, the chairperson of the committee, accused the government of making statements that implied a disregard for the miners’ safety while they were still trapped. “We are going to consider a number of routes, including charging individuals and the state with murder,” he said. Rutledge also called for an inquiry similar to the Life Esidimeni investigation, which followed the tragic deaths of 141 patients in a mental health care scandal.
According to Rutledge, the government had been made aware of the miners’ precarious situation underground, particularly those trapped in shaft 11. The miners had no safe way to exit the mine, as the only other escape route through shaft 10 was deemed too dangerous. The structure, held together by rusted iron poles, presented an almost impossible climb that would have been life-threatening for anyone attempting it. Rutledge argued that expecting the miners to use this route was unreasonable, given the conditions.
In light of these tragic events, the committee is exploring the possibility of seeking constitutional damages, calling the government’s actions a violation of the miners’ rights. “The state was provided with clear information about the miners’ plight, and they were aware of the dangers they faced,” Rutledge said.
The ongoing operation, which began with rescuing the miners, has led to the identification of 246 individuals involved in illegal mining activities. Among those rescued, nine miners were taken for medical check-ups, while the others were placed in police custody. The miners are reported to be from a variety of countries, including Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Authorities have indicated that the miners, along with suspected illegal mining ring leaders, are expected to appear in court on Friday. The incident has drawn attention to the perilous conditions faced by individuals working in illegal mining operations, as well as the responsibility of both mining companies and government agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers.
