Despite criticism, NW police stand by conduct during Operation Vala Umgodi at Stilfontein
The move to cut off food and water supply in a bid to force the zama zamas angered some activists, who labelled the operation a humanitarian crisis.
Police process illegal miners at a abandoned mine in Stilfontein after they resurfaced on 30 November 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
STILFONTEIN - A day after a special operation to extract illegal miners at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, police in the North West say they wouldn't do anything differently, despite rife criticism.
Close to 80 dead bodies were pulled from the Stilfontein gold mine this week while more than 240 people were retrieved.
The move to cut off food and water supply in a bid to force the zama zamas angered some activists, who labelled the operation a humanitarian crisis.
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While a majority of the autopsies are yet to be concluded, some human rights groups and NGOs have already put the blame on the doorstep of police, accusing law enforcement of starving them to death.
Community organisations, human rights lawyers and some political parties have called for a commission of inquiry to be launched.
They want a probe into police conduct during Operation Vala Umgodi, claiming the deaths that happened underground were a direct consequence of the decision to cut off food, water and medication.
Despite mounting criticism, acting police commissioner in the North West, Patrick Asaneng, said he stands by the operation.
"There’s nothing we would do directly. Everybody has the right to say what their views are, to approach the courts or to do what they believe is within their responsibility. The police are here as the very same constitution, to enforce, prevent, combat and investigate crime."
Operation Vala Umgodi continues in seven provinces.