Rescue teams at the Ekapa Minerals mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape, have recovered the bodies of all five mineworkers who were trapped underground following a mud rush incident on 17 February.
The recovery operation unfolded over several days, with the first body retrieved last Monday. Two more bodies were brought to the surface on Sunday morning, while the remaining two were recovered in the early hours of Monday.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, is expected to return to the mine on Monday, marking his third visit since the incident.
Meanwhile, the diamond mine, which employed more than 1,000 workers, has applied for liquidation. The move leaves employees facing an uncertain future, with many now without jobs and still awaiting outstanding salaries.
Authorities have not yet provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the incident or the liquidation process.