Johannesburg – The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) on Wednesday said it was “shocked to hear of the deaths of at least 11 mineworkers at Impala Platinum Rustenburg mine at Shaft 11”.
According to the statement released by Implats, the accident occurred on Tuesday when the cage carrying mineworkers to the surface, fell.
At least 75 people are being treated for injuries in various hospitals in the vicinity.
NUMSA represents contract workers at Implats who work at shaft 11.
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“We have members at Triple M, Reagetswe, Platchro, Oteng, and Newrack mining,” the union said.
“This incident is gravely concerning and it raises a lot of questions about health and safety issues.”
NUMSA said it “dips its revolutionary red flag” to mourn the loss of these workers.
“They are not just numbers, they are breadwinners and they have households who love them, and depend on them,” the union said.
“We send our deepest condolences to their families and friends for this tragic loss of life.”
