Zwane launches investigation into deadly Kusasalethu mining accident

5th September 2017 By: African News Agency

CAPE TOWN – Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has instructed that no stone should be left unturned in getting to the cause of the accident which claimed the lives of five mine workers at Harmony Gold’s Kusasalethu mine last week.

“This should be a turning point in as far as accidents and fatalities at our mines are concerned,” Zwane said in a statement. “The investigation into the fall-of-ground accident has commenced, starting with an in-loco inspection immediately after our briefing earlier.”

Five employees were killed, with the bodies of the last two miners only being recovered on Thursday, almost a week after the accident.

A statement from Zwane’s office said the minister had met with some of the families who are currently receiving counselling at the mine. “We have sent our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. It’s concerning for us that we are losing our people in this manner. We appeal to companies and labour unions to ensure that our goal of zero harm is realised,” Zwane says.