SAHRC: Miners’ Rights Violated During Stilfontein Operation
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has concluded that government failed to uphold the basic rights of miners in Stilfontein during a large scale operation targeting illegal mining. The findings were published on Tuesday as part of the commission’s annual report, which documents major human rights violations recorded in the past financial year.
Deaths and Deprivation Underground
The Stilfontein operation, carried out last year, was intended to dismantle illicit mining networks. Instead, it left hundreds of miners trapped underground without access to food and water. More than one thousand miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas, eventually resurfaced due to hunger and health risks. At least seventy eight people were reported to have died underground during the crackdown.
Violation of Basic Rights
While acknowledging that the miners may have been engaged in unlawful activity, the SAHRC found that depriving them of essential supplies amounted to a violation of their human rights. The commission noted that the right to life, as well as access to food and water, had been compromised by the state’s actions.
Other Incidents Highlighted
The report also drew attention to other serious abuses, including the torture of patrons at the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria. Martin Nsibirwa, the commission’s lead researcher, identified both the Stilfontein and Zanzou cases as particularly troubling examples of rights violations that require urgent government response.
The SAHRC will submit its report to Cabinet for consideration. The commission has called on government to take decisive action in addressing the violations and to strengthen accountability in future operations.