Department to Investigate Fatal Mud Rush Incident at Ekapa Mine

Kimberley: A formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident at the Ekapa Minerals Joint Shaft Mine, which resulted in the deaths of five miners, is set to commence. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced that this investigation will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Mine Health and Safety Act. According to South African Government News Agency, the announcement followed a visit by Minister Gwede Mantashe to the mine located in the Northern Cape. The visit came after the retrieval of all the bodies trapped in a mud rush incident that occurred on February 17. The first of the five bodies was recovered on March 9, 2026, with the remaining bodies found on March 22 and 23, 2026. During his visit, Minister Mantashe, along with Chief Inspector of Mines David Msiza and other senior officials, received a detailed briefing from mine management and rescue personnel regarding the successful recovery efforts. Minister Mantashe expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased miners. He also praised the rescue operation's effectiveness, acknowledging the support from the mining sector and the Minerals Council South Africa. The department highlighted the council's commitment and the deployment of its senior team to aid the rescue mission.