The final two bodies were brought to the surface during the early hours of Friday morning, marking the end of a harrowing 19‑day search-and-recovery operation.
The first victim was retrieved last Monday, followed by two more bodies recovered yesterday morning. Rescue teams, who have been working around the clock under difficult and hazardous conditions, have now handed all remains over to the authorities and affected families.
SA’s Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is expected to return to the mine on Monday for the third time since the incident. His previous visits focused on assessing safety conditions, monitoring recovery operations and engaging with management and workers.
The tragedy at Ekapa Minerals comes as the diamond mine, which employs more than 1 000 workers, has applied for liquidation. The sudden collapse of the company has left employees without jobs, unpaid salaries and deep uncertainty about their future.
Labour representatives have criticised the company for failing to communicate adequately with workers as the financial crisis unfolded. Many miners have expressed fears that the liquidation process may further delay salary payments and severance benefits.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
