The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe on Monday, 
23 March 2026, conducted an oversight visit to Ekapa Minerals Joint Shaft Mine in
Kimberley, Northern Cape, where rescue operations of the five mine workers was 
taking place following a mud rush accident which occurred on 17 February 2026. The 
first body was recovered on 9 March 2026, while the remaining bodies were recovered 
on 22 and 23 March 2026.
During the visit, Minister Mantashe accompanied by the Chief Inspector of Mines, Mr 
David Msiza, and other senior officials from the department received a comprehensive 
briefing from mine management and rescue personnel on the efforts that led to the 
successful retrieval of the bodies. 
The department will initiate a formal investigation in line with the Mine Health and 
Safety Act into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Minister Mantashe has 
extended his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
Minister Mantashe commended the rescue operation, including support received from 
the mining sector and Minerals Council South Africa for their due diligence during the 
rescue operation, as well as for deploying its senior team to support the rescue 
mission.
End.

Enquiries: Lerato Ntsoko Lerato.ntsoko@dmpr.gov.za / mediadesk@dmpr.gov.za / 
0824592788
Ms Yolanda Mhlathi - Yolanda.Mhlathi@dmpr.gov.za / 067 258 1122

Issued by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources