This decision follows a complaint lodged with the SAHRC, alleging that for approximately three months, illicit miners were unable to exit the mine shafts, and lacked access to water, food, or adequate medical assistance.

The Commission stated that more than 4 500 miners remained trapped underground, facing deteriorating conditions, scarcity of essential supplies, and limited access to alternative means of escape.

The majority of the illegal miners were from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Upon the completion of the government's rescue operation at the abandoned mine, 246 miners were brought to the surface alive, while 78 bodies were retrieved.

The SAHRC's investigation aims to shed light on the human rights violations that occurred during the operation and to ensure accountability for the treatment of the trapped miners. The inquiry will focus on the conditions within the mine, the provision of basic necessities, and the adequacy of the rescue efforts.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--