The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy is on Friday set to visit the mine to conduct an oversight visit.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

The oversight visit will also assess the damage caused by the mudslide and flooding, which killed one person and left scores injured, hospitalised and one missing. The visit by the National Parliament’s committee members, who will be accompanied by Free State Premier, Sisi Ntombela, comes after the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, President Cyril Ramaphosa and different provincial MEC’s - including Mxolisi Dukwana - also made a turn at the town. 

President Ramaphosa on Monday 12 September, whilst addressing over 200 affected residents, mentioned that the disaster or mine will be thoroughly probed and taken to task.

"There has been extensive damage, I saw with my own eyes. I saw a lot of damaged cars and saw how the mudslide travelled across the area and damaged houses and infrastructure. I saw that some of the houses were swept away by this mudslide. We are saddened about the loss of life and those who ended up in the hospital due to injuries sustained during the incident. I was at the hospital and I saw a couple of them who got injured, this is really sad," President Ramaphosa said.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa promises #JagersfonteinDisaster victims assistance – WATCH

OFM News previously reported that frustrated residents of Jagersfontein in the Kopanong Local Municipality in the Free State have discussed intentions with so-called big-time Bloemfontein lawyers to sue the JDP following the disaster. Lefa Shale, community leader, said on Thursday 14 September 2022 that some of the residents met with several lawyers to discuss and map the way forward in suing the mine in question.

ALSO READ: #JagersfonteinDisaster: Residents rope in 'big-time' lawyers

Kopanong Local Municipality spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, told OFM News they can confirm, without fear or favour, that there was negligence which led to the disaster. Phama said negligence was something that has been raised by the mayor, Xolani Tseletsele, even before he ascended to the position of mayor.

ALSO READ: #JagersfonteinDisaster: Alleged negligence led to collapse of dam – WATCH

The mine has, however, availed R20 million to help and assist affected residents. According to the mine spokesperson, Leigh Ann Carey, R20 million has been made available with immediate effect. "It is cooperating with the law enforcement authorities and will offer every assistance to the community while undertaking a full investigation. We have confirmation that the waste water is not hazardous. Jagersfontein Development remains committed to the well-being of the community and will lead clean-up operations," Carey added.

ALSO READ: Millions made available to #JagersfonteinDisaster victims

OFM News