Police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli, confirms to OFM News that the man was indeed identified by the family.

ALSO READ - #BreakingNews: #JagersfonteinDisaster’s death toll increases

He was identified on Tuesday 4 October 2022 whilst at a government mortuary in Bloemfontein. His name and age are yet to be revealed by authorities. Two people have died because of the mine dam disaster which left a trail of destruction in the area, with scores injured and over 200 people left destitute or homeless. 

OFM News previously reported that the provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson, Sipho Towa, said the search and recovery efforts are continuing in Jagersfontein to retrieve the third person reported missing.

ALSO READ: Search and recovery continue for last missing person at Jagersfontein

The mine’s dam wall collapse, which released tons of mud, ravaged Itumeleng and Charlesville in the early morning hours of Sunday 11 September 2022 and destroyed residential and municipal infrastructure, running into millions of rands.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

The 11 September 2022 disaster also left scores injured and over 200 people homeless. Many of them were housed in different shelters in Bloemfontein, Jagersfontein and Fauresmith, outside the town. Following this tragic disaster, Premier Sisi Ntombela assembled officials from the Emergency Medical Services College to assist with the rescue mission and search.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: Ntombela sends management teams

The Trompsburg-based Kopanong Local Municipality in the Free State alleged that neglect played a big part in the disaster when the wall of the mine's tailings dam collapsed. The municipality's spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, said negligence led to this flood disaster.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: Alleged negligence led to collapse of dam – WATCH

Residents have also raised concerns about the lack of development the mine had played in uplifting the community over the years whilst in commission. One resident and a community leader of the Itumeleng Location, Lefa Shale, previously told OFM News that for years the Jagersfontein Development Project (JDP) neglected its mandatory community development programme. He said residents were left to struggle whilst the mine thrived. Shale alleges that some politicians with a particular interest in the operation of the mine, have aided the mine to thrive whilst residents were left to live in squalor conditions.

“We, as the community, expect something from the mine but nothing was ever given to the community and Jagersfontein is as you see it. This community is (angry) to the extent that they wanted to meet with the manager of the mine. Unfortunately, we never met or saw them since this disaster took place. We are really disappointed and angry but don’t know what will happen going forward because now we don’t even have electricity, we don’t have anything,” Shale said.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: 'For years we've never benefited' - community leader

The mine has, however, availed R20 million to help and assist affected residents.

ALSO READ: Millions made available to #JagersfonteinDisaster victims

According to the mine spokesperson, Leigh Ann Carey, R20 million has been made available with immediate effect. "It is cooperating with the law enforcement authorities and will offer every assistance to the community while undertaking a full investigation. We further have confirmation that the waste water is not hazardous. Jagersfontein Development remains committed to the well-being of the community and will lead clean-up operations," Carey added.

OFM News