Minister Gwede Mantashe has arrived at Ekapa Minerals. Image: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Gwede Mantashe
1Min
South Africa
Recovery teams have retrieved all five bodies of miners trapped underground since February, as officials and the minister revisit the site.
All five bodies of miners who were trapped underground at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley have now been recovered following last month’s mud rush incident.
The first body was brought to the surface last Monday, while two more were recovered on Sunday. The remaining bodies were retrieved in the early hours of Monday morning, concluding the recovery operation.
The miners had been trapped underground since February.
Chief Executive Officer Jahn Hohne confirmed that the families of the deceased have been informed. He expressed condolences, saying the company’s thoughts remain with the victims’ families, colleagues and loved ones during this difficult period.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe visited the mine on Monday for the third time since the incident, according to the department.
Meanwhile, the diamond mine, which employed more than 1,000 workers, has applied for liquidation, leaving employees facing job losses and unpaid wages.
