Rustenburg mine collapse raises questions over illegal mining oversight

Loading player...
The deaths of 14 suspected zama-zamas in a mine collapse near Rustenburg have raised fresh questions about oversight of mining operations and illegal mining. Eight others were injured, with five still in hospital. Police say the disused mine, now operated by Sustenza Trading, was breached by suspected illegal miners, but admit they were unaware of the illegal activity. North West Police Commissioner Arthur Adams says monitoring licensed mines falls under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, with efforts underway to improve coordination. Phemelo speaks to Mining expert David Van Wyk.
11 Aug 2PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Mbeki denies secret deal to shield apartheid-era generals

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed as a “complete fabrication” allegations that he held secret meetings with former apartheid-era military and police generals to prevent their prosecution for crimes committed under apartheid. Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry, Mbeki denied that such meetings took place as the inquiry investigates alleged…
20 Oct 3PM 23 min

Sibiya denied bail over witness intimidation and evidence concerns

Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will remain in custody after a Randburg magistrate denied him bail, citing concerns about possible witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence. The court found that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release. Sibiya denies the charges against him and…
20 Oct 3PM 6 min

Tshwane admits negligence after 408 fall ill from contaminated water

The City of Tshwane has admitted negligence after supplying unchlorinated water to Bronkhorstspruit communities for three weeks, with 408 people, mainly children, affected by gastrointestinal illnesses. Mayor Nasiphi Moya says the city ran out of chlorine following a dispute with its supplier, while an investigation found the water source was…
20 Oct 3PM 19 min

Police committee warns of failures undermining public safety

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has warned that weaknesses in criminal investigations, forensic services, police accountability and financial management continue to undermine public safety and delay justice. The committee is calling for measurable action following its review of key policing institutions, while the Justice Department is working on a draft…
19 Oct 3PM 14 min

Tshwane water crisis leaves 408 people ill

At least 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported in Tshwane’s Bronkhorstspruit area, with contaminated water identified as the likely source. An investigation found that water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works was not chlorinated between 24 September and 14 October because of problems with the city’s chlorine supplier…
19 Oct 3PM 17 min