Two mineworkers have died after their shaft collapsed at the 16 shaft of Impala Platinum in Rustenburg.
The incident was confirmed to Newsnote by Implats spokesperson Johan Theron, who added that operations have been suspended at the shaft for investigations.
“Yes, I can confirm two workers tragically passed away in a fall of ground incident at the Impala Rustenburg 16 Shaft complex early this morning,” said Theron via a WhatsApp message.
It is reported that the tragic incident occurred around 3am at MMM section where the deceased miners, who worked as locomotive operators, were located.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Health and Safety Secretary in Rustenburg Olebogeng Leeu, the union is saddened by the death of the workers.
Leeu said the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate will commence with the investigation.
According to Leeu, the deceased workers are from the districts of Bilene and Inhambane districts in Mozambique.
The incident happened eight months after the death of 13 mineworkers who were killed, and 75 others injured at 11 Shaft in Rustenburg in November 2023.
The workers were killed when the conveyance system that carried them to the surface after their shift reversed direction and crashed at the bottom of the shaft.