Department launches investigation into Ekapa mine mud rush that claimed five lives
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources probes Kimberley tragedy as recovery efforts conclude
A formal investigation has been launched into the fatal mud rush incident at the Ekapa Minerals Joint Shaft Mine, where five miners lost their lives earlier this year.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed that it will conduct a full inquiry in line with the Mine Health and Safety Act to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The department will initiate a formal investigation in line with the Mine Health and Safety Act into the circumstances surrounding the accident,” the department said on Monday.
The incident occurred on 17 February, prompting an extensive recovery operation. The first body was recovered on 9 March 2026, with the remaining bodies retrieved between 22 and 23 March.
Minister Visits Site as Recovery Concludes
Gwede Mantashe visited the Kimberley-based mine following the recovery of the final victims. He was accompanied by David Msiza and senior officials, who received a detailed briefing from mine management and rescue teams.
The department noted that the visit included a comprehensive overview of the rescue efforts that led to the successful retrieval of the trapped miners.
Mantashe extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, acknowledging the tragic loss and the impact on the mining community.
“Minister Mantashe commended the rescue operation, including support received from the mining sector and Minerals Council South Africa for their due diligence during the rescue operation, as well as for deploying its senior team to support the rescue mission,” the department said.
The investigation is expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the incident and inform measures to strengthen safety protocols across the mining sector.
