North West police face criticism after an operation to remove illegal miners from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein results in numerous deaths. Activists and human rights groups accuse the police of causing the deaths through starvation after cutting off food and water supplies.
In the wake of a controversial operation to extract illegal miners, known as zama zamas, from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, North West police have defended their actions despite widespread criticism. This week, close to 80 bodies were recovered from the mine, while over 240 individuals were successfully removed.
The operation, which aimed to force the zama zamas out by cutting off their food and water supply, has sparked outrage among activists who denounced it as a humanitarian crisis.While a majority of autopsies remain pending, some human rights organizations and NGOs have pointed the finger at the police, alleging that law enforcement officials are responsible for the deaths through starvation. Community organizations, human rights lawyers, and several political parties have called for a commission of inquiry to investigate the police conduct during Operation Vala Umgodi. They argue that the deaths that occurred underground were a direct consequence of the decision to restrict food, water, and medical supplies.Despite the mounting condemnation, acting police commissioner in the North West, Patrick Asaneng, maintains his support for the operation. He stated, '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.
ILLEGAL MINING ZAMAS POLICE OPERATION HUMAN RIGHTS STILFONTEIN
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