In a statement, DA leader in the Free State, Roy Jankielsohn, said the hazardous conditions at the quarry have led to tragic incidents with the most recent victim being Dustin Khukari. 

Last year, the infamous Witherow Dam Quarry in Heidedal claimed two youngsters, aged 17 and 18, who went swimming with two friends. Community activist Gregory Werner contended that the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy ignored a petition from the community, as well as high-ranking SAPS and NPA officials.

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Jankielsohn alleged that MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Free State provided a recommendation regarding the ongoing deadly threat posed by the Witherow Dam Quarry in Heidedal to residents. This was after the DA posed the question. 

Jankielsohn explained that they received a response which states that police have to open a case to gather relevant information and evidence to pave the way to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the incidents and enable the implementation of appropriate remedial actions. He added that the response further stated that police should also consider issuing a compliance notice to the landowner, outlining necessary steps to be taken to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with the dam. If the landowner fails to comply with the compliance notice, if there is evidence of gross negligence, police should consider charging the landowner accordingly.

“The reply is disappointing since the dam poses a continuous threat to the community who have lost many children. More decisive action is required by both the Mangaung Municipality and the Provincial government to protect the community from this disaster area. The DA has, however, written to the SAPS Commissioner in the Free State, Lieutenant General Motswenyane, to carry out the recommendations of the MEC,” he said.

The deaths have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the closure certificate. Photo: Supplied

Jankielsohn further explained that the previous responses which were received from the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy in the National Council of Provinces were that the rehabilitation of the site was completed and a closure certificate was issued by the department on 6 December 2006, signifying compliance with all closure requirements at the time.

“This has clearly not been the reality on the ground following several deaths at the quarry. The deaths have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the closure certificate and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of closed mining sites. It is important for authorities to investigate and address any potential safety hazards at the quarry to prevent further tragedies,” concluded Jankielsohn.

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