Malicious inspectors face liability at mines
Sibanye serves notices as judgments pave the way for government officials to be held liable in their personal capacity
Incompetent and malicious Department of Mineral Resources officials who overstepped their authority in applying regulations could soon be hauled to court for damages in their personal capacity, industry sources said. Two judgments pertaining to mining as well as a Constitutional Court ruling that government officials can be held liable in their personal capacity have paved the way for the action, which could see mine inspectors and other departmental officials pursued for damages by mining companies. Sibanye Gold is said to be the first company preparing to launch such an action, said the sources who declined to be named. Sibanye spokesman James Wellsted said he could not comment. The sources said the actions brought against various department officials were likely to be related to safety stoppages ordered at the company’s mines in 2016.AngloGold Ashanti won a case against the department’s safety officials in November 2016 after the entire Kopanang mine was shut down because of a vi...
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