The Free State Hawks have served summons to five individuals allegedly linked to the 2022 Jagersfontein dam wall collapse disaster. Three companies will also be joining the individuals in court.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has ordered that the suspects appear in the Jagersfontein Magistrates Court on 10 September 2025,” said Free State Hawks.
The suspects are aged between 34 and 80. They are allegedly liable for the death of three people who lost their lives following the dam wall collapse. The Hawks said they will also account for the damage to property that occurred during the disaster.
THE 2022 JAGERSFONTEIN DISASTER
On 11 September 2022, nine homes were swept away by a mudslide and more than 20 more were damaged, after the wall of a dam at Jagersfontein Tailings Mine collapsed.
Following the disaster, three bodies were found buried under mud while more than 40 people were treated for serious injuries. At the time, a further four people were confirmed missing.
The collapse of the dam was blamed on structural failure. Soon after, the Free State government allocated R150 million to rebuild houses for victims whose homes had been swept away by the mudslide.
JUSTICE IN MOTION
Nearly three years later, the Hawks and the NPA said they were ready to move forward with a criminal process. They have been working in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
“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,” they said.
The Free State Acting Head, Brigadier Xolani Matroos, praised everyone involved in the criminal investigation for their hard work.
SHOULD RESIDENTIAL AREAS BE ALLOWED NEAR DAMS?
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