Accountability needed for police actions in the deaths of 7 illegal miners

4 October 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands an immediate investigation into the allegations of police brutality that resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners at an abandoned gold mine in Daggafontein, Springs.

According to media reports, the incident occurred during Operation Vala Umgodi, when unidentified chemicals were allegedly hurled at the miners, resulting in severe burns and their subsequent deaths. The raid on an informal mine was conducted by the South African Police Servive  (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMDP).

This tragic incident reflects the ongoing concerns raised by the DA regarding police conduct and incapability in areas plagued by illegal mining. Allegations of police corruption, harassment, and brutality are unfortunately all too common where the incident took place in Daggafontein.

The DA has long called for the establishment of a specialised and professional police unit dedicated to tackling illegal mining across the province. This shocking event underlines the urgent need for such a unit within the police to ensure a lawful and professional approach to addressing this crisis.

The DA demands that Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who holds responsibility for the Community Safety Portfolio in Gauteng, conduct a thorough investigation into every aspect of this incident. If law enforcement agencies are found to have misused their authority, consequences should be imposed on the responsible parties to ensure justice is upheld.

The DA will also table questions to Premier Lesufi to ascertain what transpired and if this incident was preventable.

While it is imperative to put an end to illegal mining, it is equally important to ensure that law enforcement operations are conducted within the confines of the law.

As in the DA-run Western Cape, a DA Gauteng government will quickly roll out body cameras to enhance transparency and deter police brutality.

The DA is committed to ensuring that citizens in Gauteng receive the transparent and professional police service they rightfully deserve.

Issued by Michael Sun, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety, 4 October 2024