SAHRC report finds govt failed to uphold human rights of Stilfontein zama zamas

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has found that government failed to uphold the human rights of miners in Stilfontein who were allegedly in conflict with the law.

Dozens of illegal miners died during an extended government-led operation aimed at shutting down illicit mining networks last year.

The operation left hundreds of miners trapped underground, with some reporting they had run out of food and water.

The commission released a series of reports on Tuesday detailing the most significant human rights violations recorded in the past financial year.

The SAHRC’s latest report concluded that although the miners in Stilfontein may have broken the law, depriving them of essential supplies was a clear violation of their rights.

More than 1,000 zama zamas resurfaced due to hunger and health concerns, while 78 people were reported to have died underground.

The commission’s lead researcher, Martin Nsibirwa, highlighted the Stilfontein incident and the torture of patrons at Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub as serious causes for concern.

"It affected the right to life and access to food in the case. You also remember the case of the Zanzou club in Pretoria."

The report will be handed to Cabinet to review and take action on the reported human rights violations.