News
‘One Body Found, Four Still Trapped’: Grim Search Continues at Ekapa Mine
Recovery teams at the Ekapa Mine in Kimberley have retrieved the body of one of five miners trapped nearly 890 metres underground following a devastating mud rush.
The remains were recovered on Monday.
The Victim
Ekapa Resources and Ekapa Minerals confirmed that the family of the miner has been informed.
“At the family’s request, the miner’s name will not be released at this time. Formal identification processes are currently underway, and further information will be shared once these procedures have been completed.”
The Search Continues
Recovery operations underground are continuing.
“Teams are working methodically and safely to reach the remaining areas where the other miners were last reported to be working.”
The company extended its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the miner.
The Tragedy
The incident unfolded after a water flood and mud rush overwhelmed the nearly 1,000-metre shaft of the Du Toitspan mine.
The Wider Crisis
Last week, more than 1,000 workers faced a legal battle to save their jobs after the Northern Cape High Court granted provisional liquidation to the company.
Addressing families at a prayer meeting on 6 March, Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul called the court decision a “serious setback.”
“It’s a tragedy on top of a tragedy. We are now sitting with five workers in the mine, in a shaft at a mine and now have 1,100 workers patrolling the streets, unemployed.”
The premier announced a relief package of R3.5 million, including:
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R10,000 for the families of the trapped miners
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R3,000 food vouchers for the remaining workers
The Bottom Line
One body recovered. Four still missing. More than a thousand workers facing unemployment.
The mud rush claimed lives. The liquidation may claim livelihoods. For Kimberley, it is a tragedy on every level.
{Source: Citizen}
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