COSATU North West Mourns the Death of Mineworkers

23 July 2017

COSATU North West is shocked about the news that about four mineworkers were trapped underground and died at the Tau Lekoa Gold Mine in Orkey.

COSATU and NUM leadership has been observing the efforts by the rescue team to recover the bodies of the miners. COSATU has been appraised that recovery of the bodies was difficult and symphasise with the families affected by the tragedy.

COSATU has met the affected families and conveyed our heartfelt condolences.

Recently one mine died last month and we call upon the mine bosses and the Department of Mineral Resources to prioritise safety of workers to curb similar incidents from occurring.

Last year, six workers died in Impala Platinum mine.

COSATU and NUM will continue with the campaign of ensuring workers do not work in unsafe working conditions.

Employers must shoulder responsibility and liability after every workplace injury or death.

We further call upon the Minister of Minerals to make bosses of mines accountable especially where it is found that incident/tragedy allegedly happened because of negligence.

Issued by COSATU North West

Job Dliso
COSATU North West Provincial Secretary
Cell: 0824631840/0714891384