Johannesburg – All five miners who were trapped underground at Ekapa Minerals Mine in Kimberley following a mudslide on 17 February have now been recovered.
The last two bodies were brought to the surface on Sunday and Monday, following the earlier recovery of the first three.
According to EWN, Mine Rescue Service CEO Mannas Fourie said the operation concluded in the early hours of Monday, giving closure to the families and thanking the rescue teams.
“We concluded in the early hours of this morning. We took out all the people who were missing during the mudslide that occurred, and it was for us to conclude and give closure to the families. We appreciate our rescue team members who did this work for us,” the report quoted Fourie as saying.
Watch below (Courtesy of SABC News)
Numsa official Lerato Mohatlane expressed relief for the families and called for a faster investigation into unpaid February salaries affecting over 1,200 workers.
“As Numsa we are relieved that the first part is now done, we wish these families strength during this period and we believe that the struggle for the liquidation process continues we will be back at court on the 17th April 2026,” Mohatlane said, as reported by SABC News.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s Mineral Resources Committee, led by chairperson Mikateko Mahlaule, said it will oppose Ekapa Mine’s liquidation application, insisting the process is unfair and shows disregard for the workers’ deaths, the report said.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is scheduled to visit the mine again on Monday.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
