Cape Town – Nearly three years after the Jagersfontein mine wall collapse near Bloemfontein, the Jagersfontein Lerumo Justice Forum, together with the CSOs Working Group Call for Truth, Justice, and Accountability, has expressed concern over the delayed pursuit of justice and fears that the trial may be prolonged.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that five men, aged between 34 and 80, have been served with summons in connection with the 2022 Jagersfontein dam wall collapse, which claimed three lives and caused extensive property damage.
“Following an intensive criminal investigation by the #Hawks and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has ordered that the suspects appear in the Jagersgontein Magistrates Court on 10 September 2025.
“The suspects, who are employees of an engineering company, a compliance officer, and an operations manager, will face charges including murder, malicious damage to property, and contravention of the Health and Safety Act,” said SAPS.
#sapsHAWKS [UPDATE] Five males aged between 34 and 80, have been served with summonses to appear in court in connection with the 2022 Jagersfontein dam wall collapse, which claimed the lives of three people and left several properties damaged.
Following an intensive criminal… pic.twitter.com/0Sr8VdxYm8
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 26, 2025
However, in a joint statement, the Jagersfontein Lerumo Justice Forum and the CSOs Working Group Call for Truth, Justice, and Accountability argued that the SAPS report fails to accurately reflect the extent of the damage the collapse inflicted on the community on the 11th of September in 2022.
“Scientists reported that the collapse released over 6 million cubic metres of toxic liquid sludge, devastating approximately 1,600 hectares of agricultural and grazing land and impacting nearly 160 homes.
“Contrary to initial corporate statements, our research confirms the disaster resulted in the deaths of at least five people, alongside countless injuries and widespread trauma.
“The environmental toll was immense, with an estimated 900 livestock killed and ecosystems destroyed,” said Jagersfontein Lerumo Justice Forum and CSOs Tailings Working Group.
They stressed that families and the broader community have been denied truth and justice, noting that prior warnings from local activists to the Department of Water Affairs about the dam’s condition were ignored.
The forum outlined three key demands:
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An inquest into the unnatural deaths of five community members to provide closure for affected families.
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The public release of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) investigation report to ensure transparency and enable the prosecution of the corporation and all implicated parties.
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A comprehensive reparations programme, including quality housing infrastructure, land reform, job creation, social security support for struggling households, and full environmental rehabilitation.
“The community continues to suffer widespread trauma. While we acknowledge the support from organisations like the South African Human Rights Commission, Gift of the Givers, and the Red Cross, corporate and state accountability remains absent,” said the Jagersfontein Lerumo Justice Forum and the CSOs Working Group Call for Truth, Justice, and Accountability.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
