Concern over rights commission's hearings

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) has welcomed the commencement of the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) national inquiry into how illegal mining affects the rights of communities.

- Masoka Dube

However, it expressed several reservations.

The inquiry is investigating how illegal mining impacts communities. It will also look at the police fight against illegal mining, Operation Vala Umgodi.

The investigation was triggered by last year’s events when more than 80 illegal miners, who were trapped underground in Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein in North West, died after the police reportedly denied them water and food for three months.

The first session of the inquiry was held yesterday at Philemon Masinga Sports Complex in Stilfontein, Khuma, North West, while the second session will take place at Sentinel House in Parktown today and tomorrow.