An illegal miner who survived the explosion, told Eyewitness News that a security worker of the mine threw “bombs” down the shaft where the incident took place. It is further alleged that vehicles belonging to mine bosses were at the mine shaft and as soon as they left, there was smoke and an explosion. OFM has also seen video footage of three bakkies driving away from the mine shaft, but Harmony Gold spokesperson Moeketsi Manoeli says the video proves nothing.

“The incident is unfortunate and tragic, the loss of so many human lives in one setting is not something one should be boastful of. But again we believe that the accusations that have come through are quite irresponsible. Harmony has been operating in the Free State mining area for over 70 years. This is not the first explosion we experienced in the area. The last one was in 2021, when there was just a spark underground and there was also an explosion,” Manoeli said.

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Manoeli further explained that explosions usually occur underground when there is high methane levels. He reiterated that Harmony Gold takes safety seriously.

The SAPS has taken note of the allegations, however, no case has been opened thus far. 

OFM News