Trapped Ekapa mineworkers presumed dead, says Mantashe

Five mineworkers trapped underground at the Ekapa Minerals Joint Shaft Mine in Kimberley have now been presumed dead, following days of intense but difficult rescue efforts after a mudslide earlier this week.

The workers have been unaccounted for since 17 February, when a mudrush trapped them deep underground at the Northern Cape mine, sparking a large-scale emergency response. Rescue teams have worked around the clock, navigating treacherous conditions in an urgent effort to reach the trapped employees.

On Thursday night, relatives gathered near the mine to hold a vigil, hoping for a miracle as rescue operations continued. Candles flickered in the darkness as families stood together in solidarity, clinging to faith even as official hopes of survival faded.

Government Officials Visit the Site

Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, visited the site alongside Zamani Saul, Premier of the Northern Cape. Following the oversight visit, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed that the situation had taken a grim turn as hopes of finding survivors faded.

“All operations at the Joint Shaft Mine have been suspended, with the focus solely on rescue efforts,” the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources said in a statement following the oversight visit.

Despite rescue operations continuing, Mantashe acknowledged that the likelihood of survival had significantly diminished after several days without contact.

“It would be remiss of us to speculate on the cause of the incident at this stage,” Mantashe said. “However, we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to establish all the facts surrounding the accident.”

Investigation to Follow Under Mine Health and Safety Act

Authorities confirmed that a formal probe will be launched in line with the Mine Health and Safety Act. Chief Inspector of Mines David Msiza remains on site to oversee both the rescue mission and the forthcoming investigation.

Premier Saul described the incident as “tragic” in a social media post, noting that the five workers were trapped at level 842 underground following the mudrush.

“The rescue teams secured by Ekapa Mines are doing their utmost best to reach the trapped workers,” Saul said. “We will continue to keep the families and the trapped workers in our prayers.”

Government has also commended support from industry stakeholders, including Minerals Council South Africa, which deployed senior personnel to assist with rescue operations.

Families Left Devastated but Holding on to Hope

Families of the trapped workers have been kept informed and are receiving psychosocial and logistical support. Officials have instructed mine management to maintain constant communication with relatives during what has been described as an extremely distressing time.

However, the emotional toll has been profound.

One relative, speaking to journalists at the site, said the family was heartbroken after hearing Mantashe suggest that their loved ones were likely dead.

“We are devastated,” she said. “But we are still waiting. We are holding on to hope until they bring them out.”

Renewed Concerns Over Mining Safety in South Africa

This tragedy has once again spotlighted safety concerns in South Africa’s mining sector, particularly the dangers posed by mudrush incidents. These events can occur suddenly and with little warning, especially in deep underground operations.

While the precise cause of the mudslide remains unknown, authorities have stressed that no conclusions will be drawn until a comprehensive investigation is completed.

For now, the focus remains on recovery efforts and supporting grieving families, as the country watches another painful chapter unfold in its mining industry.

Government said its thoughts remain with the families of the five workers as rescue teams continue their difficult and dangerous work underground.