The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is relieved for the families of the five miners that were trapped underground at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, whose remains were finally retrieved.

The miners were tragically stuck underground following a mud rush in the early hours of 17 February. All hope of finding them alive was dashed seven days later when they were presumed dead. Efforts to recover the bodies have been ongoing since then.

COSATU is relieved that the families can now find some small comfort and closure with the recovery of the remains of all five miners. Now the families will be able to give their loved ones a dignified burial, which will afford them a sense of closure. We know it will not be easy, but we hope in time the families will find healing.

With the recovery process complete, COSATU hopes the investigation into what caused the mud rush and if it could have been prevented will get underway immediately, even though Ekapa Mine has applied for liquidation. Should the findings reveal any negligence on the part of the company, the responsible parties should be held fully liable under the law.  

Additionally, Ekapa Mine must ensure that families of the five miners are paid their full dues without delay, including salaries, benefits and relief from the Compensation Fund.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za