Burgersfort – A mineworker was killed in a tragic accident at Valterra Platinum’s Mototolo mine in Limpopo, prompting strong condemnation from the General and Industrial Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA).
The union said in a statement that the Load Haulage Operator, 55-year-old Michael Pheagane Ramodike, died after being struck and entrapped by faulty machinery underground.
Ramodike, with over 18 years of experience in that role, was performing panel cleaning activities at Rig 4 in the S120 Panel at the Borwa Shaft when the incident occurred on Friday, 27 March 2026.
According to the preliminary report, at about 22h07, an LHD machine experienced an engine shutdown while in an articulated position.
As the operator was disembarking from the cabin, the machine unexpectedly tilted, trapping him between the cabin door and the machine frame.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched, but Ramodike was unresponsive and was declared dead at the scene.
GIWUSA expressed “deepest condolences” to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ramodike.
The union described the incident as “avoidable” and accused the company of failing to prioritise worker safety.
The union said the accident highlights systemic negligence in South Africa’s mining sector, where profit is often placed above the lives of employees.
“This tragedy is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of disregard for mineworkers’ safety,” GIWUSA stated.
The union called for an urgent investigation by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, demanding accountability from both Valterra Platinum and government regulators.
GIWUSA also urged the company to halt operations until a full safety audit is conducted.
“We cannot allow production to continue while workers face life-threatening conditions,” the union said.
The Mototolo mine, located near Burgersfort, is one of Valterra Platinum’s key operations.
Mining accidents remain a persistent challenge in South Africa, despite industry commitments to improve safety standards.
The union emphasised that the death underscores the need for stronger enforcement of health and safety laws.
It also pledged to support the victim’s family and mobilise workers to demand safer conditions.
Valterra Platinum has not yet issued a public statement on the incident.
The accident comes amid renewed debate over mining safety in South Africa, where unions have long argued that companies prioritise output over worker welfare.
The union said it will continue to press for reforms to prevent further loss of life in the industry.
