Four NUM members are still trapped underground at Tau Lekoa mine in Matlosana

Press Statement, 07 December 2019

FOUR NUM MEMBERS ARE STILL TRAPPED UNDERGROUND AT TAU LEKOA MINE IN MATLOSANA

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) can confirm that one mineworker with serious injuries was rescued yesterday, four NUM members are still trapped underground at Tau Lekoa mine in Matlosana. NUM is deeply worried and concerned after five employees were trapped underground yesterday afternoon after a seismic incident.

Four of the five mineworkers are still trapped underground. Earlier yesterday the Proto team was able to communicate with the four mineworkers who are still trapped underground, but later they were no longer responding. The Proto team now estimates that it will take three or four days to rescue the four mineworkers because of the massive rocks that continue to fall underground.

The National Union of Mineworkers strongly believes that drastic action is needed to compel the mining industry to comply with safety standards and procedures. The NUM anticipates that in an effort to do public relations in the wake of its failures, the mining industry would continue with its lip service and propaganda and argue that it is doing more and would continue to do more whilst lamenting on loss of production due to mine closures as a result of fatalities.

We call on the state to hold the industry fully accountable for its failures and adopt a no-nonsense approach when it comes to mine deaths.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Masibulele Naki: NUM Matlosana Regional Secretary: 073 333 7745.

Livhuwani Mammburu: NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167