An investigation has been launched into the cause of a mudslide that claimed the lives of five mineworkers in Kimberley earlier this year.
The eKapa miners were trapped during the incident in February, with search and recovery teams working for more than a month before all five bodies were retrieved. Authorities have confirmed that the recovery operation has now been completed.
However, families of the deceased are still awaiting closure as DNA testing is required to formally identify the remains.
An official inquest has been opened, and Mining Chief Inspector David Msiza and his team are expected to lead the probe into the circumstances that led to the fatal mudslide.
At the same time, the mine has reportedly applied for liquidation, a move that could result in more than a thousand workers losing their jobs.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has called for accountability, insisting that the mine’s chief executive officer should face arrest over the incident. The union has also confirmed it is pursuing legal action against the company over liquidation proceedings and unpaid wages.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has intervened to assist affected workers in accessing Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits as the fallout from the disaster continues.