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Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited expressed its sadness following two separate incidents that occurred in Soweto, Gauteng and Theunissen in the Free State province that claimed a total of five lives.
The CEO of Harmony Mr Beyers Nel said the fatal incidents occurred on Tuesday morning, 4 February 2025; the first incident took place at a development end at Doornkop Mine, in Soweto, Gauteng. He explained that all blasting operations have been temporarily suspended at this mine.
Still on the same day, three employees succumbed to their injuries following a severe fall of ground incident at Joel Mine, near Theunissen in the Free State Province. Nel said the causes of these two unrelated incidents are currently under investigation, both internally and by the regulator.
He said the relevant authorities have been kept fully apprised of the incidents.
Beyers Nel affirmed that investigations into the causes of these incidents will be led by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, supported by labour representatives and mine management at each operation.
“We are devastated by the news of these tragic incidents. The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our first priority, and the loss of lives of our colleagues is deeply saddening. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, colleagues and friends and will provide our full support to the families of the deceased during this challenging time.”
“We are doing all we can to prevent safety incidents through embedded and proactive risk management practices alongside our humanistic safety culture transformation journey. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every single person affected by these tragic events,” said Beyers Nel the CEO of Harmony.
The Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Mr Ketso Makume attended the memorial service of the deceased mine worker on 12 February 2025, which was held at the Joel Hostel Sports Ground.
Makume has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and also affirmed that the incident is currently under investigation by both the company and the regulator.
“We are devastated by the news of this tragic incident which led to loss of lives in our province. On behalf of our government I wish to convey our most heartfelt condolences firstly, to the three families of the deceased, Leteketa, Taeli, Maloka family, their colleagues, the management and the mining community in its entirety,” said MEC Ketso Makume.
“We are pleased that the CEO did not only send the message of condolences but is physically here to mourn this tragic loss with all of us. This gesture alone will contribute greatly to the healing process of everyone affected by this tragedy. Working together with all the stakeholders, we are duty bound to ensure maximum safety at workplace especially that of the employees as required by the Mine Health and Safety Act. One life lost is but one too many” concluded the MEC.
