The Commission condemns, in the strongest terms, the wanton and organised violence that has taken place in the community of Sporong. This violence reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern experienced by many mining-affected communities across South Africa at the hands of criminal mining syndicates. Such conduct constitutes a direct assault on the constitutional order and violates fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution, including the right to life and the right to freedom and security of the person. 

The Commission has, for several years, raised concerns about illegal mining and unregulated mining and the impact it has on communities, stressing that there are significant policy gaps in the closure and rehabilitation of mines, in the regulation of mining, and the policing thereof. 

The Commission’s Gauteng Provincial Office has opened an own accord investigation on the matter to ensure that alleged human rights violations are urgently addressed. The Commission will engage the community of Sporong, displaced residents, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the South African Police Service and other relevant state institutions to ensure that urgent steps are taken to protect affected communities, restore safety and stability, and ensure accountability. 

The Commission will continue with the second leg of its National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining, the Impact of Artisanal Mining on the human rights of surrounding communities and the scope and tactics employed in Operation Vala Umgodi from 02 - 04 February 2026.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION