Cape Town – The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) have confirmed the commencement of criminal proceedings following the 2022 collapse of the Jagersfontein Fine Tailings Storage Facility (FTSF).
The 2022 incident left communities devastated after the collapse claimed lives and caused extensive damage to property and the environment.
In response, the Jagersfontein Lerumo Justice Forum, together with the CSOs Working Group Call for Truth, Justice, and Accountability, has been pushing for urgent justice on behalf of residents who have been waiting for three years.
The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, have confirmed that criminal proceedings are set to commence following the 2022 tragic collapse of the Jagersfontein Fine Tailings Storage Facility.…
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) September 4, 2025
According to SAnews, the two departments released a joint statement on Wednesday confirming that the damaged infrastructures had been repaired, while an environmental clean-up and land restoration funded by Jagersfontein Developments, is still underway.
The DWS Dam Safety Regulation Directorate conducted an extensive technical study into the cause of the dam’s collapse, through the help of experts within the field.
“This included site visits and expert evaluations by specialist civil engineers, i.e. geotechnical and hydraulic engineers from the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand.
“Parallel to this, the Environmental Management Inspectorates from both DFFE and DWS conducted a joint investigation into the incident.
“A criminal case docket was finalised and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Bloemfontein, which has taken the decision to prosecute,” said the departments.
According to EWN, Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said that said extensive probes were launched to determine the 2022 collapse, which led to tragic events for members of the community.
“A criminal case docket was finalised and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority in Bloemfontein, which has taken the decision to prosecute.
“The first court appearance is scheduled for 10 September 2025 in the magistrate’s court in Jagersfontein. It is anticipated that the case will be transferred to a higher court on the same day, with a full trial to follow,” said Mavasa.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
