DWS, DFFE pleased prosecution going ahead over Jagersfontein tailings dam failure

CAPE TOWN - The departments of Water and Sanitation, as well as Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said they're pleased that people will be held accountable for the tragic failure of the 2022 Jagersfontein tailings dam.

Two people died and another is still missing after the tailings dam at the diamond processing operation in the Free State collapsed almost three years ago.

Five suspects face several charges, including murder, and are expected to appear in court next week Wednesday in connection with the mining waste disaster.

Mining waste material was released into neighbouring areas, injuring dozens of people and destroying their homes and livestock.

Water and Sanitation spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said extensive probes were launched to determine the cause of the tragedy.

"A criminal case docket was finalised and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority in Bloemfontein, which has taken the decision to prosecute. The first court appearance is scheduled for 10 September 2025 in the magistrate's court in Jagersfontein. It is anticipated that the case will be transferred to a higher court on the same day, with a full trial to follow."