SAHRC Widens Probe into Stilfontein Zama Zama Deaths to Include Nationwide Cases

Johannesburg – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) has expanded its investigation into the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, elevating it to a national inquiry.

Last month’s rescue operation at an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein resulted in the rescue of at least 216 illegal miners, along with the recovery of 78 bodies.

Although many of the deceased are believed to be foreign nationals whose identities have not yet been established, there has been a significant outcry over the alarming death toll.

Unions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and human rights advocates are demanding clarification regarding the fatalities among the illegal miners, commonly referred to as “Zama Zamas.”

Consequently, the SAHRC initiated an investigation into the events occurring in Stilfontein.

This inquiry was prompted by a complaint submitted to the SAHRC’s North West Provincial Office (NWPO).

The complainant claimed that for an extended period of approximately three months, miners were unable to exit the mine shafts, lacking access to water, food, and proper medical care.

The complaint stated that over 4,500 miners remained trapped underground, with their survival at risk due to worsening conditions, insufficient essentials, and limited escape options.

“The decision to launch a National Inquiry into the Policy Framework surrounding Artisanal Mining, the Impact of Artisanal Mining on the Human Rights of Surrounding Communities, and the Scope and Tactics Used in Operation Vala Umgodi was driven by the severity of events in Stilfontein, along with input from community members, miners, and NGOs,” said the SAHRC.

The SAHRC clarified that this inquiry was established in line with its mandate outlined in Section 184(2) of the Constitution, which grants the Commission authority to investigate and report human rights violations and take necessary action to remedy any infringements.

“This initiative aligns with the Commission’s overarching objective of promoting respect for human rights, nurturing a culture of human rights, and overseeing their adherence throughout the Republic, as specified in Section 184(1) of the Constitution,” the SAHRC added.

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 were briefed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), which reported that a total of 324 individuals had been rescued from the decommissioned mine.

This number included 246 survivors and 78 deceased individuals.

The Commission also carried out an on-site inspection at Shaft 11 in Stilfontein to evaluate the situation and gather updates from the members of Operation Vala Umgodi.

Additionally, the Commission interacted with staff from Tshepong Hospital and the artisanal miners to oversee their treatment at the hospital, detention facilities, and the overall conditions they faced.

Throughout these interactions and monitoring sessions, the Commission uncovered several concerns, which are currently being addressed with the appropriate stakeholders.

The Commission also spoke with community members to gain insight into how artisanal mining/illegal mining affects the human rights of the Stilfontein community.

These visits were preceded by multiple interventions by Commissioners and the NWPO in Stilfontein, where they engaged with and collected information regarding the crisis from community members, miners, families, SAPS, and NGOs in Stilfontein.

The National Inquiry into the Policy Framework surrounding Artisanal Mining, the Impact of Artisanal Mining on the Human Rights of Surrounding Communities, and the Scope and Tactics Used in Operation Vala Umgodi will take place in the North West Province in May 2025.