Kimberley – At least five miners remain trapped at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley after a mudslide.
The company said the “mud rush” occurred in the morning on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, and several employees remained unaccounted for.
A massive search and rescue operation was currently underway.
Rescue teams were already underground, the company said.
Reacting to the incident, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said it was deeply distressed following the catastrophic mudslide.
The union said five mineworkers remained trapped since the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Ekapa Mine in Kimberley.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the union said its immediate priority is the safe return of these mineworkers to their families.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families and colleagues of the trapped workers during this incredibly difficult time,” said Mosepedi Sanane, NUM Kimberly Regional Secretary.
“We are holding onto hope that they will be found alive and brought to safety.”
While rescue efforts take precedence, the NUM has called for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and all relevant stakeholders to launch a comprehensive investigation.
“We demand a transparent process to establish the exact cause of this disaster and to determine if there were any lapses in safety protocols,” the union said.
“The NUM will not rest until the truth is uncovered and the safety of all mineworkers is guaranteed.”
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