
Johannesburg – As new details emerge regarding the disturbing number of bodies discovered in abandoned shafts at Stilfontein, North West, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for an Inquiry into all aspects of the incidents that occurred at Buffelsfontein mine.
On Tuesday, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated: “On the second day of operations, a total of 106 living illegal miners were rescued and arrested for illegal mining… 51 [others] have been confirmed dead.”
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On the previous day, nine bodies were recovered and 26 illegal miners were saved.
In light of the heartbreaking loss of life, DA MP James Lorimer, the party’s spokesperson on mineral and petroleum resources, commented: “The DA insists that President Cyril Ramaphosa promptly establish an independent Commission of Inquiry into all aspects of what took place at Buffelsfontein mine, ensuring that those negligent in their duties are held responsible and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Lorimer also noted: “With 60 bodies recovered from Buffelsfontein mine to date, it is clear that the magnitude of the disaster corroborates the concerns expressed by many individuals.”
“This raises the pressing question of why the situation was allowed to deteriorate so severely.”
Lorimer voiced concerns regarding the police’s inability to determine the actual conditions underground, or potentially, their awareness of the situation which went undisclosed and unaddressed.
“One must question whether the police believe they are constrained by the rule of law or if they prefer to resort to punitive measures as legitimate responses to illegal mining,” Lorimer stated.
“Illegal miners and their networks have adversely impacted South Africa’s economy and brought hardship to tens of thousands of our citizens, yet many low-level illegal miners are simply striving to survive, engaging in activities not defined as crimes under current legislation.
“Responsibility may lie with both the SAPS and the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources, which raises concerns about their ability to investigate this incident impartially.”
Lorimer renewed the DA’s call for President Ramaphosa to initiate an inquiry promptly while the events remain fresh and before illegal miners and other potential witnesses are dispersed.
“A decade ago, during a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee session, I began advocating for stricter measures against illegal mining,” Lorimer recalled.
“Despite numerous discussions, little meaningful action has been taken until the recent security operations aimed at curbing illegal mining.
“Two glaring examples of government inaction are evident.”
Lorimer highlighted that the government has, regrettably, yet to classify illegal mining as a criminal offense and that regular police officers often lack the investigative capabilities or specialized resources, not to mention adequate firepower, to effectively tackle illegal mining, which is a primary reason for its widespread prevalence.
“The DA aims to comprehensively address both of these issues in the coming weeks,” Lorimer concluded.
Meanwhile, rescue operations in Stilfontein resumed on Wednesday morning.