By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has confirmed that all five bodies of the Ekapa mineworkers in Kimberley have been retrieved.
The miners were trapped after mudslide at the mine on the 17th of February 2026.
The incident occurred in the early hours. Mine management confirmed later the same day that an emergency response had been activated, but communication with the trapped miners was cut off.
The miners have been trapped 890m underground.
The first body was retrieved last week Monday. Two more bodies were brought to the surface on Sunday morning, while the final bodies were taken out in the early hours of Monday morning, completing the recovery by 23 March 2026.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Kimberley police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the miners’ deaths.
Minister of mineral resources and energy Gwede Mantashe has called for a full investigation into the tragedy. He arrived at Ekapa Minerals on Monday (23/3) following the recovery of the bodies of all five mine workers.
“We start by acknowledging that the five workers are now out. The next step is to give them a consent letter… and now the right time for the investigation to start.”
He confirmed that a formal inquiry into the incident will be led by the Chief Inspector of Mines, with a focus on determining the source of the mudslide and the conditions that led to the disaster.
“We must discover where that water comes from, why a mud rush… and understand it in detail.”
The minister noted that mudslides are more commonly associated with gold mining operations and described the incident at a diamond mine as unusual, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation.
Mantashe urged caution against speculation, saying accountability would only follow once the investigation is complete.
“The disaster will have to be investigated… we must know the causes, the reason, where it comes from, and have a proper report. Then we can talk about other things.”
The visit also comes amid uncertainty over the mine’s future, with reports that Ekapa is facing financial difficulties and possible liquidation, putting more than a thousand jobs at risk.
Mantashe said while liquidation could open the door for a new investor, it does not absolve current owners of their responsibilities, particularly towards affected workers and their families.
The diamond mine, which employed over 1,000 miners, has applied for liquidation, leaving many workers jobless and with unpaid salaries. The development has raised serious concerns about the economic impact on affected workers and the wider Kimberley community.
“I’m not going to allow a situation where capital makes money and when there’s a risk, government must take it over… the capital that made money must take responsibility fully.”
He stressed that ensuring dignified burials for the deceased workers is a priority, adding that the mine and its owners must take financial responsibility.
The minister also reflected on broader mine safety challenges, noting that while fatalities in the sector have declined significantly over the years, the goal remains zero harm.
Government and mining industry have been making efforts to reduce mine deaths and injuries, part of a campaign called “Zero Harm”. Last year the country recorded its lowest-ever number of mine deaths.
The story has been updated with the comments by DMPR minister Gwede Mantashe during his visit at Ekapa mine.