Miner killed in freak accident
Patricia Edwin | Wednesday September 24, 2014 11:57
Matsiloje Police Station commander, Superintendent, Obert Manji, confirmed the accident to Mmegi. He said they received a report about the accident around 8pm on Saturday.
“I can confirm the death but I am not in a position to say more because we are still investigating the matter,” he said.
Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) has reacted angrily to the death, stating that it is a clear case of negligence. The union had indicated that safety at the mine should be improved in a petition sent to the minister several months ago.
BMWU general secretary, Bob Malele, said the ministry response stated that the union must contact the mine for follow-ups. He however argued that this defeats the purpose of their efforts and mandate.
Malele said colleagues informed them about the Tati mine accident but the company contracted by the mine, Moolmans Aveng, had not contacted the union.
“They told us the law does not stipulate that they contact us,” he said.
Malele further said he had been informed that a rock fell onto the employee but when they visited the accident scene, they discovered that boulders were literally hanging from above.
He explained that in mining, there are ‘barriers’ which could protect employees from these stones but that they had been discontinued at the mine.
“This was done for only two years but stopped. Employees now work with huge boulders hanging above their heads which is very dangerous,” he said.
Malele further said they are writing a letter to the Director of Mines and management about the hazardous working conditions.
“We want to assist where we can, so that even after the enquiry the mine should not be opened until the safety measures have been taken care of,” he said.