By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rescue efforts are currently underway at Ekapa Mine in the Northern Cape after five miners trapped following a mud rush near a shaft.
Fullview learnt that the incident took place when water and mud filled one of the shafts.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud rumble, followed by alarms blaring as dust billowed from the entrance.
According to the statement dated February 17, 2026: “At this stage, five employees are unaccounted for. Immediately following the incident, the mine activated its emergency response protocols, and a co-ordinated search and rescue operation is currently underway.”
The statement further said that all necessary specialist resources have been mobilised and that the priority remains the safety of employees and the effectiveness of the rescue efforts.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum has been notified and Ekapa is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities in line with statutory requirements.
Ekapa Mine, run by Ekapa Mining, is a key player in the region’s diamond industry, reprocessing waste from historic sites like the Big Hole to find gems missed in the past.
It employs hundreds of locals, many from families with mining roots going back generations. This morning’s event happened in a spot known for its tricky conditions, where water buildup can weaken supports.
Initial reports suggest the slide buried equipment and cut off power, leaving the trapped men in the dark with limited tools to signal for help.
Rescue workers quickly picked up signs of life through small pipes pushed into the debris, hearing knocks and voices that gave hope the miners are alive and holding on.
This is not the first incident at Ekapa. Back in 2022, a similar water issue caused a small collapse, but no one was hurt thanks to quick evacuations. The mine has a good safety record overall, with regular checks and tech like sensors to spot weak spots.